Arrest Made In Fatal 2023 Christmas Day Stabbing: Stamford Police

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Department on Sunday announced the arrest of a 28-year-old man in connection with the stabbing death of a city resident on Christmas Day 2023.

In a news release, the SPD said that Juan Camilo Avila-Olmos was taken into custody on Dec. 21 in California without incident and with the help of the Los Angeles Police Department, Devonshire Division.

"Avila-Olmos is being held as a fugitive from justice under an arrest warrant submitted to the Stamford Superior Court on December 20, 2024, for the murder of Juan David Hernandez-Velasco," Capt. Thomas Scanlon and Lt. Doug Dieso of the SPD said in a news release.

The warrant carries a bond of $5 million, police said. Avila-Olmos is currently undergoing the extradition process.

On Dec. 25, 2023, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the SPD Patrol Division responded to Stamford Hospital where a 32-year-old stabbing victim, later identified as Hernandez-Velasco, was undergoing treatment in the emergency room, police said, noting the man had been dropped off at the hospital by "unidentified individuals."

Hernandez-Velasco died from his injuries later that morning while in the Intensive Care Unit.

Police said according to an initial investigation, it was determined that a fight broke out at a party in the 70-block of Crystal Street in Stamford, which led to Hernandez-Velasco getting stabbed.

Avila-Olmos was at the party on the night in question, police said, and he "left Connecticut and moved" to California "shortly after this incident."

Police praised investigators' "tenacity and unwavering commitment" throughout a "lengthy and meticulous investigation."

"This case serves as a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of violence," police added. "Our department remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community."