Detectives Eye Slayings Of OC Mom And Son In Connection With Homeless Killings
SANTA ANA (CBS) — Orange County investigators worked Wednesday to determine if there is a connection between the fatal stabbings of a Yorba Linda woman and her son in October, and the suspected slayings of four homeless men by accused "thrill killer," Itzcoatl Ocampo.
Though officials have declined to provide details, the Orange County Register reports police are considering a possible connection between the Oct. 25 murders of Raquel Estrada, 53, and her son Juan Herrera, 34, in their home in Yorba Linda, and the four stabbing deaths charged against Ocampo, 23.
The homeless stabbing deaths took place between Dec. 20 and Jan. 13 in Anaheim, Placentia, and Yorba Linda.
Autopsies showed the mother and son died of multiple stab wounds, as did the four homeless victims.
Eder Herrera, 24, the son and brother of the victims in the Oct. 25 slayings in Yorba Linda, is currently charged with murder in connection with that case.
Deputy District Attorney Howard Gundy, the prosecutor on both cases told the Register investigators were looking at the similarities in the deaths, as well as the fact that Ocampo lived less than two miles from Estrada and Herrera.
Ocampo's attorney, Randall Longwith, said he was unaware of the investigation.
Longwith noted police were also questioning Ocampo on whether he had any involvement in the recent dismemberment murder in Hollywood.
"Every defense attorney with a stabbing in Orange County is going to try to pin it on (Ocampo)," Longwith said.
Longwith says Ocampo is no longer wearing the "suicide blanket," a protective gown for inmates considered a danger to themselves or others.
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