Menifee Police Department Press Release Re: Jose Velasquez Wanted
For Immediate Release
February 1, 2025
Case #MN25-0519
**UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE**
DEATH INVESTIGATION-UPDATE
Menifee, CA – On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at approximately 2:43 a.m., officers from the Menifee Police Department responded to reports of gunshots in the 25000 block of Mesa Edge Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered the deceased body of a female, later identified as 38-year-old Storm Wolf of Temecula. Officers suspected she was the victim of a homicide, and the case was subsequently taken over by detectives.
Jose Velasquez, a 45-year-old male acquaintance of Wolf from Menifee, was identified as the primary suspect in her death. Velasquez fled the scene before officers arrived.
Following investigative leads, authorities determined that Velasquez may have traveled to the city of Santa Ana. The Santa Ana Police Department was contacted for assistance in locating him and his vehicle.
Santa Ana Police officers located Velasquez in his vehicle and attempted to make an arrest. This resulted in a vehicle pursuit, which ended in the city of Newport Beach, where an officer-involved shooting occurred. Velasquez was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This investigation is ongoing and a motive for Velasquez’s actions is unknown at this time. Anyone with
information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Flores at [email protected] or (951) 723-1663.
Santa Ana Police Department Press Release Re: Officer-Involved Shooting
Incident Update
Today, February 1, 2025, the Menifee Police Department contacted the Santa Ana Police Department, requesting our assistance in locating a homicide suspect in our city.
Santa Ana police officers located a vehicle occupied by the suspect, and a pursuit ensued, which led officers into the city of Newport Beach. The suspect drove onto the Newport Pier, where he stopped, exited his vehicle, and an officer-involved shooting occurred. A firearm was recovered from the suspect’s possession.
The suspect was struck by gunfire and was declared deceased at the scene.
No officers or bystanders were injured. As is customary with officer-involved shootings, an independent investigation was initiated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The Newport Beach Police Department, Orange County Coroner’s Office, and Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab also responded to the scene to investigate.
The name of the decedent is being withheld at this time. We recognize that multiple citizens were on the pier and may have witnessed the incident.
Any witnesses are asked to call the Orange County District Attorney’s Office at 714-664-3964