Full Notification

DATE/TIME: December 19, 2018 1:16 am

INCIDENT: Murder Investigation

LOCATION: 15400 block of Fairfield Ranch Road, Chino Hills

SUSPECT: Ivan Mejia, age 44 a resident of Chino Hills

VICTIM: Martin Zendejas, age 54 a resident of Chino Hills

SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at approximately 1:16 am, deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department responded to an unknown problem in the parking lot of a hotel in the 15400 block of Fairfield Ranch Road in Chino Hills. The reporting party stated a female ran into the business yelling for help and had blood on her clothing. Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim, later identified as Martin Zendejas, in the parking lot suffering from injuries to his head and face. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation. Through investigation, detectives determined that the victim, Martin Zendejas, was in his vehicle at the location with a female friend when they were confronted by a male suspect, later identified as Ivan Mejia. Mejia pulled the victim out of his car and beat him causing the injuries that led to his death. Detectives were advised that the suspect, Ivan Mejia, was the boyfriend of the female that was with the victim at the time of the assault.

Detectives from the Specialized Enforcement Division were requested to assist in the investigation. Detectives located the suspect as he was leaving his residence, he was taken into custody without incident. Mejia was arrested, transported and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for PC 187 Murder.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Chuck Phillips at (909)387-3589. Callers may remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Chuck Phillips or Sergeant Steve Pennington

Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail

Phone No. (909)387-3589

Case No. DR#221804092 H#2018-118

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department