Miguel Loza Wanted for Murder and Sexual Assaults

Published by Junior Staff Writer on May 12, 2009

ID #05-073

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department is currently seeking Miguel Loza on a warrant charging him with the murder of 17 year old Jessica Sheridan. Detective Henry Montes reports that in February 2003 Loza allegedly stabbed Jessica in a vacant pre-school near Cabrillo College. As Jessica lay bleeding to death, Loza then sexually assaulted another women. Loza then urinated on Jessica. Loza fled to Mexico and was arrested by Mexican police in March 2004 for stabbing and robbing a man. In September 2004, Mexican police arrested him again for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl. Loza did spent a month in jail for the stabbing and robbery and 5 months in jail for the kidnapping and rape of the little girl. The Mexican government refuses to extradite Loza and Santa Cruz deputies believe he may return to the U.S. Loza was raised in Santa Cruz County and may visit or stay with relatives in Watsonville.