Jamie Arundell Latshaw will be the featured speaker on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th at 11a.m. Jamie is a Fillmore resident and the daughter of the late Jim Arundell and Diane Arundell of Fillmore. She is an Army veteran, entrepreneur and community member with deep local roots and a 1993 graduate of Fillmore High School.
She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an officer in the US Army for 8 years, where her assignments included leadership, transportation and military training support roles. During a 1999 deployment in Macedonia in support of Operation Joint Guardian, she met her husband Leroy, who would become her partner in both life and business. Together they co-founded Lexicon, Inc., a company that provides specialized cultural, training and military support services to government and defense related clients. Lexicon has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazines fastest growing companies and was also honored by Goldman Sachs through its Builders and Innovators initiative. Today, she lives in Fillmore with her family and is the proud mother of three children and grandmother of three. On Memorial Day she is honored to share reflections on military service while helping pay tribute to fallen members and to all who served.

Kristian Fonseca, 27

[In the December 16, 2020, and March 14, 2024, editions of the Fillmore Gazette, Kristian Fonseca, 27, was identified as a Fillmore resident by the Ventura District Attorney’s Office.]
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VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98) has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 114 years to life for two first-degree murders and other crimes. A jury found Fonseca guilty on March 20, 2026, of killing Jose Estrada and Daniel Zuniga. Fonseca was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder and one count of being in possession of a firearm less than 10 years after a conviction. All special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including the special circumstance of multiple murders and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.
“Fonseca believed he could avoid capture and accountability for his crimes, but through the dedicated work of Detective Anthony Reginato and our law enforcement partners, justice ultimately caught up with him.” said Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Blake Heller. “This sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life paying for the devastation he caused to these victims, their families, and the community.”
Fonseca’s crimes encompass two separate shootings and four victims. In October 2019, Fonseca was affiliated with a tagging crew based in Santa Paula. On October 12, 2019, Fonseca and two others drove along Ventura Avenue and stopped near a liquor store at East Simpson Street. After observing two men standing near a food truck, one was asked, “Where are you from?” before Fonseca fired multiple rounds from a shotgun.
The two victims of that shooting were not gang members. One victim was struck multiple times and suffered life-threatening injuries, requiring emergency surgery and resulting in long-term medical complications. Surveillance video captured portions of the incident, and officers recovered four spent shotgun shells at the scene.
A year later on October 24, 2020, Fonseca attended a front yard gathering in Santa Paula when three rival tagging crew members approached from down the street after a day of escalating verbal confrontations. The encounter turned physical when one of the individuals fought Fonseca in the street. Following the fight, Fonseca retrieved a firearm and opened fire on the three men. Two of the victims shot by Fonseca died of their injuries. The third victim was injured but survived.
Evidence showed Fonseca continued firing at close range after the victims had fallen.
Officers recovered ten 9mm shell casings at the scene, most were near the two victims who died. Fonseca was arrested three days later. The firearm used in the shooting was never recovered.
Case: 2020012933
Defendant Information:
Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98) Oxnard
Charges:
• (2 counts) PC 187(a) – Murder
• (2 counts) PC 664/187(a) – Attempted murder
• PC 29805 – Own/possess/control firearm less than 10 years after misdemeanors
Special allegations:
• PC 189(a) – 1st degree murder
• PC 190.2(a)(3) – Commission of more than one murder
• PC 12022.53(d) – Personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury
• PC 664(a) – Premeditated attempted murder
• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – The defendant was armed with and used a weapon
• CRC 4.421(b)(1) – Defendant has engaged in violent conduct
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Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: RD
Date: May 14, 2026
Release No.: 26-062

On 05/17/2026, 49-year-old Fillmore resident, (S) Enrique Garcia, was arrested for agricultural thefts.
On 05/17/2026, a patrol deputy from the Fillmore Sheriff’s Station observed Garcia exit an agricultural orchard located in the 700 block of Oak Road. Garcia was carrying evidence indicating that an agricultural theft had likely occurred. An investigation ensued which determined Garcia had committed an agricultural theft which resulted in him being arrested for Penal Code § 484(a) – [Theft of Agriculture Items] and Penal Code § 647(h) – [Loitering on Property to Commit a Crime].
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to being present and available for the communities we serve. In addition to vigilantly patrolling our agricultural areas, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to provide the community with the following crime prevention tips:
• Note any suspicious vehicle or person that you notice on or around your property and send the information to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Call Sheriff’s Dispatch immediately if the subjects are still present or nearby. Emergency: 911 or Non-Emergency: (805) 654-9511.
• Install a surveillance camera system to monitor structures, sheds, container boxes, and entrances and exits. Preferably a system that can be live streamed and monitored remotely for the greatest coordination between law enforcement.
• Consider installing a fence, or other barrier, around your property to limit and control avenues of ingress and egress. These physical barriers not only serve as a deterrent, but also significantly reduce a suspect(s) ability to enter and exit the property, on foot or in a vehicle, without being noticed by employees or captured on an accompanying surveillance camera system.
The Fillmore Patrol Station encourages the agricultural community to utilize “Farm Watch,” a partnership between the farming community and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Farm Watch is a county-wide electronic neighborhood watch program that is distributed to several hundred farms, ranches, nurseries, and supply houses. This program provides information to ranchers on agriculture crime trends and on how to react and treat the crime scene so that potential evidence is preserved for immediate processing by deputies of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. For more information about Farm Watch please feel free to contact Detective Mitch Peterson at (805) 384-3728.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 05/18/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
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Nature of Incident: Agriculture Crime Arrest
Report Number: 26-62882
Location: Agricultural Orchard north of 700 block of Oak Road, Unincorporated Fillmore
Date & Time: 05/17/2026 @ 09:36 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Resources
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Enriguez Garcia, Unincorporated Fillmore, 49

Residents of Fillmore are invited to come together for a morning of conversation, connection, and community spirit at the upcoming Coffee with First Responders event, hosted by our local Bank of the Sierra.
This event will take place on Tuesday, May 19th, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, at Bank of the Sierra, located at 527 Sespe Avenue, and will feature first responders from the Fillmore Police Department and Fillmore Fire Department. Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee provided by our very own El Abuelo Coffee and Bakery. Come out and engage in friendly discussions with the first responders who serve their community every day.
Coffee with First Responders is all about building relationships. First responders want people to feel comfortable approaching them, asking questions, and getting to know them beyond the badge.
Guests will be treated to complimentary coffee from El Abuelo Coffee and Bakery, a local community partner known for its delicious pan dulce and organic coffee.
The informal event provides a welcoming space for residents to share ideas, express concerns, or simply chat with first responders in a casual, friendly setting. No speeches or agendas – just good coffee and good conversation.

On 4/19/2026, patrol deputies contacted and arrested (S) David Chavez for possession of an assault weapon, after vigilant community members called and reported loud and suspicious activity by Chavez.
On 04/19/2026, at about 1:39 AM, patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station contacted (S) David Chavez, a 36-year-old Moorpark resident reference a noise complaint on River Street in Fillmore. A subsequent patrol investigation led to the discovery of an unregistered/serialized, fully automatic, ghost gun concealed inside David’s vehicle. This ghost gun also met the criteria classifying the firearm as an assault weapon. The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers or markings. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally transferred without the use of a federal firearms license dealer, which makes the firearms untraceable by law enforcement and are preferred by criminals. The prevalence of these firearms has been on the rise in recent years.
Since David is a felon who has served time in state prison, he was arrested for several felony offenses to include, Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm], Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Penal Code § 32310(a) – [Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine]. David was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked without incident. He later posted bail and remains out of custody pending court proceedings.
Following David’s arrest, Fillmore station detectives identified a source for his illegally manufactured assault weapon and another family member likely involved with unlawful firearm activities.
On 05/08/2026, personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit, Gun Violence Reduction Program, Camarillo SEU, West County SEU, Thousand Oaks SEU, and Moorpark SEU executed search warrants at three locations within the cities of Moorpark and Northridge.
During the warrant service in Northridge, detectives discovered (S) Danis Perdomo concealed a loaded handgun inside his 6-year-old’s school backpack as they exited the residence in an effort to prevent its discovery by law enforcement. Danis was arrested for child endangerment and possession of a stolen firearm. Danis’ wife, (S) Katelyn Perdomo Miller was believed to have knowledge of the handgun inside their child’s backpack and was arrested for child endangerment and conspiracy. Danis and Katelyn were later released pending a case submission and charges being filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The search warrants resulted in the seizure of several illegally possessed firearms, a stolen firearm, illegal assault weapons, illegally manufactured suppressors, hundreds of illegally manufactured swift links, and firearm manufacturing equipment.
A Swift Link is a firearm component for AR-15 rifles that can function as a drop-in auto sear, enabling fully automatic fire when installed, and is legally classified as a machine gun.
Ultimately, (S) Elpidio Chavez was arrested for Penal Code § 32 – [Aider and Abettor] and (S) Joshua Michel was arrested for Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], Penal Code § 29810(d)(1) – [Manufacturing Firearms Without a License], Penal Code § 30400(A) – [Sell Unserialized Firearm Parts], Penal Code § 30600(a) – [Manufacturing an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 32625(b) – [Converting a Firearm to a Machinegun], and Penal Code § 33410 – [Possession of a Silencer].
Both Elpidio and Michel were transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where they later posted bail and remain out of custody pending court proceedings.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Gun Violence Reduction Program is an investigative unit funded by a grant from the California Department of Justice. The grant funding supports the efforts of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to reduce gun violence by conducting investigations related to the seizure of firearms and ammunition from persons who are prohibited from possessing them.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 05/11/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
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Nature of Incident: Illegal Firearm Possession & Manufacturing Operation
Report Number: 26-49806
Location: 17000 block of Vintage Street, Northridge
300 block of Second Street, Moorpark
15000 block of Doris Court, Moorpark
Date & Time: 05/08/2026, 7:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, Gun Violence Reduction Program, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), West County SEU, Thousand Oaks SEU, Moorpark SEU
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age:
(S) David Chavez, Moorpark, 36
(S) Elpidio Chavez, Moorpark, 46
(S) Joshua Michel, Northridge, 31
(S) Danis Perdomo, Northridge, 25
(S) Katelyn Perdomo Miller, Northridge, 27
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).