Homicide Victim Killed 'For His Bicycle,' Police Say

SANTA ANA, CA —A man who died of a gunshot wound on a dirt path alongside the Santa Ana Riverbed north of 5th Street in July was killed for his bicycle, police say.

On Wednesday, July 24, officers were called to the scene to find a man on the ground, unresponsive, and covered in blood. He showed no signs of life, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics declared the victim had died just after 6 a.m. The Orange County Coroner's office identified him as Pedro Morale Chocoj, 31, of Santa Ana.

SAPD Homicide Section detectives responded and assumed the investigation. They determined multiple suspects robbed and killed Mr. Chocoj for his bicycle, Bertagna confirmed.

On Monday, July 27, 2020, working off a tip, SAPD detectives located the victim's bicycle on the 900 Block of Fair Way in the City of Santa Ana. Detectives later arrested a second man, based on the tip. He has been charged as an accessory to the robbery, and Chocoj's death.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, detectives apprehended three other suspects in this case.

With the support of the Orange County District Attorney's Office, detectives arrested the three more men and charged them with the robbery and fatal shooting of Chocoj.

The investigation continues, as there is a fifth outstanding suspect.

Detectives request witnesses or anyone with information about this case contact the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS

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