Arrest made in fatal shooting resulting from argument over Mexican states
Orange County authorities intercepted a vehicle headed to Mexico and arrested a 21-year-old man wanted in the shooting death of another man who was trying to avoid a fight between two groups over which Mexican state was best.
Ivan Sanchez, of Santa Ana, was being held Friday in the Orange County Jail on $1-million bail after being arrested Thursday on murder and attempted murder charges.
Police said the victim, 35-year-old Esteban Navarrete, was an innocent bystander to the argument that started Sunday night in a Santa Ana restaurant.
“The two groups were on opposite sides of the restaurant. The victim, his wife and two friends were in the middle of the restaurant having dinner,” said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. “He glanced over once.”
The argument led to a fistfight in the parking lot and the participants eventually drove away. Police said that’s when Navarrete and his party decided to leave.
“He’s like, ‘Let’s get out of here before they get back,' " Bertagna said.
But one vehicle, a dark-colored SUV, returned. Police said Sanchez approached Navarrete’s car and when he got out to say he had nothing to do with the argument, Sanchez allegedly shot him in the head.
Acting on a tip from someone who recognized the suspect in restaurant surveillance video released by police, authorities began tracking Sanchez.
They stopped a vehicle Thursday on the 5 Freeway in Tustin that was being driven by Sanchez’s father, who police said was taking his son to Mexico. The father and two others in the vehicle were questioned by police and released.
“The suspect was born here and had never been to Mexico,” Bertagna said. “The irony is the argument that started all this was over which state in Mexico was the best.”
The Orange County district attorney’s office will determine whether to bring further charges, police said. Police also were seeking several people who were with Sanchez on Sunday and fled the scene in the SUV.
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-- Mike Anton
EDITOR'S PICKS:
YES! Now all he has to do is roll over on his "buddies" and the Sheriffs will get them all!
Posted by: Astonished | February 18, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Being a US Citizen of Mexican descent, all I can say is that it's embarrasing to know that a guy had to lose his life over something so ridiculous! What next? Lose your life over what basketball team is better? Idiots!!
Posted by: Frederick | February 18, 2011 at 02:49 PM
what a dumb reason to have a fight.
Especially since everyone knows that California is the best Mexican state.
(ok, sorry, couldn't resist)
Posted by: TrueFreedom | February 18, 2011 at 02:54 PM
And there you have it folks, anchor babies grow up to fight each other over what Mexican state is better! If that does not prove once and for all to whom anchors are loyal to; what would?
Posted by: headjazz | February 18, 2011 at 03:05 PM
I love TrueFreedom's post on February 18, 2011 at 02:54 PM. MEXICO MEXICO MEXICO...well I mean Kaliiiifornia, as Arnold would say.
Posted by: Robert R | February 18, 2011 at 03:35 PM
i hope they catch the other guys as well. what a foolish foolish reason to fight. and when one guy gets his ego/face bruised up, he comes back with a gun. coward.
Posted by: an angeleno w/ tapatio roots | February 18, 2011 at 03:44 PM
Best state in Mexico...oxymoron. Mexico is a huge toilet. Ivan Sanchez proved my point.
Posted by: WasDaMadderYou | February 18, 2011 at 04:07 PM
I think we should Grant amnesty to all Mexicans...
Posted by: Jay | February 18, 2011 at 04:08 PM
@Frederick, how ridiculous is losing your life over a street, a neighborhood you will never own or even worse, a color?
How come Mexicans are not out in force denouncing this madness?
Posted by: So, Boy | February 18, 2011 at 04:14 PM
Si se puede!
Posted by: Trent L. Maclay | February 18, 2011 at 06:37 PM
"The best state" in what way? Free of narco terrorism? Tourist attractions? Less likely to get "Montezuma's Revenge?"
Posted by: Onboard skeptic | February 19, 2011 at 07:58 AM
In response to 'So, Boy':
Not sure why Mexicans would be out in force to denounce the actions of an American on American soil.
I'm sure you have a really good reason why you refuse to use logic. I just don't know what that reason is. Maybe you're keeping it tucked away for use when it really matters, huh?
______________________________
In response to HeadJazz:
Really? I mean, really? When was the last time (which I'm sure would also be the first time) that you heard of people fighting over which state is best?
But according to your well reasoned, strong argument... It's now the standard m.o. between American youth of Mexican decent?
Try harder, brainiac.
Posted by: Authentic Angeleno | February 22, 2011 at 11:37 AM