Santa Cruz Homicide Investigation Update 20S-05232

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

September 16, 2020

SANTA CRUZ POLICE DEPARTMENT

155 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE/TIME: September 16, 2020

TOPIC: Homicide Investigation-UPDATE

LOCATION: Depot Park, Santa Cruz

CASE NUMBER: 20S-05232

INVOLVED SUBJECTS:

SUSPECT:

David Douglas Cameron

DOB: 07/08/1986

Arrested: Yes

Charges:

187(a) PC-Murder

1203.2 PC-Probation Violation (new charge)

VICTIM: Joshua Newell-33 years

UPDATE:

On Sunday, September 13, 2020, at approximately 0300 hours, Santa Cruz Police Officers were dispatched to a call for an assault with a deadly weapon. The victim, identified as Joshua Newell 33-years, was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds and later pronounced deceased. Newell had recently relocated to the Santa Cruz area from Colorado and it is uncertain exactly how long he has been in the community. Responding officers located the suspect in this incident in the 300 block of Cedar St., identified as David Cameron 34-years. Cameron was positively identified as the male suspect leaving the scene of the homicide and in possession of incriminating evidence linking him to the crime. On September 13, 2020, Cameron was ultimately booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on murder charges.

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the physical altercation between Cameron and Newell was in response to a separate incident between two associated female subjects. Detectives worked tirelessly over the last 48 hours to confirm witness statements and corroborate facts. Based on the investigative developments and further consultation with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, there is not enough information available at this time in order to proceed with murder charges. At the time of this media release, murder charges have not been filed, however Cameron remains in custody at the Santa Cruz County Jail on a violation of the conditions of his probation and is set for arraignment today.

The case investigation remains open and the Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Division at (831) 420-5820.

BACKGROUND:

On Sunday, September 13, 2020, at approximately 0300 hours, Santa Cruz Police Officers were dispatched to a call for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the area of Depot Park. When officers arrived on scene they located an unresponsive male subject near the parking lot suffering from multiple stab wounds. First aid was immediately rendered and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene for further medical treatment. The subject was transported to Dominican Hospital Emergency Room where the victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s identification is being withheld at this time, pending next of kin notification.

During the initial dispatch, officers were provided a description of an involved male subject who had fled the scene. Officers were able to locate a subject matching the description who was later positively identified as the second party involved in the incident. The suspect was taken into custody and later booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of 187(a) PC-Murder. Santa Cruz Police Detectives were called to the scene and continued the investigation throughout the early morning hours. The suspect’s identification and booking photo are being withheld at this time pending additional witness follow-up.

This investigation is on-going and the Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Division at (831) 420-5820.

Homicide Investigation UPDATE 20S-05232

For additional information, contact: Lieutenant Arnold VasquezSeptember Phone: (831) 420-5856

Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com . Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via our smartphone app or from an SMS text. Visit our website for instructions.

This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.