Concern Grows For Girlfriend In SJ Hells Angel Murder Suspect Search
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) - Days after confirming a Hells Angels member accused in the murder of another member at a San Jose Hells Angel funeral is alive, authorities are now expressing concern about his female acquaintance.
Christel Renee Trujillo, who also goes by the last name Ferguson, is believed to be with Steven Ruiz - accused of fatally shooting to death another Hells Angels member, Steve Tausan earlier this month.
Ruiz allegedly killed Tausan during an altercation at the Oak Hill Cemetery on Curtner Ave. in San Jose, and then mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind his motorcycle, said Lt. Alan Cavallo, a commander in the SJPD homicide unit.
The altercation took place in the parking lot outside of the chapel as Jeffrey Pettigrew's coffin was in the process of being moved to the burial site, Cavallo said. Pettigrew was the 51-year-old president of the Hells Angels' San Jose chapter who was killed at John Ascuaga's Nugget casino resort in Sparks, Nev., on the night of Sept. 23.
Some speculated that Ruiz was dead but police said they have confirmed that Ruiz is alive and "actively evading law enforcement." He is believed to be traveling with Trujillo.
Police have a warrant for Ruiz's arrest. Officers briefly surrounded a home in Stockton Saturday, believing Ruiz was inside. But a search of the home revealed he was not there.
Ruiz is considered armed and dangerous, which is why authorities are concerned about Trujillo.
KCBS' Bob Butler Reports:
"If you look at the history of this case, it's very violent in nature. What occurred was a very blatant crime in the middle of 1,000 people at a cemetery," pointed out San Jose Police spokesman Sgt. Jason Dwyer. "We're not going to speculate on whether or not he's forcing her to go with him but what we do know is anybody who is that violent and has demonstrated that type of propensity for violence can be a danger to strangers, obviously, but to somebody he knows and maybe privy to certain aspects of this case."
Police believe Ruiz has two black eyes and other facial injuries. Ruiz and Trujillo may be traveling in a gold or pewter Chevrolet Suburban. Ruiz has family in Arizona and New York who he may attempt to contact.
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