Crime & Safety

Public Asked to Help Find Suspect in Killing of Mount Miguel Alum in 2011

Crime Stoppers is looking for Julio Cesar Mendez, suspect in the stabbing death of Sonny Carrillo.

Authorities Monday asked for the public's help in finding a 23-year-old man suspected of killing a Mount Miguel High School alum in Chollas View two years ago.

Grossmont College student Sonny Carrillo, 20, was fatally stabbed at an apartment complex at 47th and Castana streets the night of July 20, 2011, according to San Diego County Crime Stoppers. His suspected killer has been identified as Julio Cesar Mendez, now 23.

The night of the stabbing, Carrillo gave a ride to a female friend for a child custody exchange with Mendez, who is the child's father. During the exchange, Mendez allegedly asked angrily who was in the car waiting for her, then walked up to the car, reached through an open window and stabbed Carrillo in the chest, San Diego police said.

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Mendez fled on foot after the stabbing, police said. His whereabouts are still unknown but he may be in Mexico, according to Crime Stoppers, which said he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities described Mendez as Hispanic, 5 feet 8 and 180 pounds. He has several tattoos, including "32" and a spider on the left side of his neck, and blue lips on his left check. His left finger is also tattooed, authorities said.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Anyone who knows the suspect's whereabouts or any other information regarding the fatal stabbing is asked to call San Diego police homicide detectives at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tips that lead to an arrest could be worth a reward of up to $1,000.

-City News Service


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