District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Chris Gallegos (DOB 6/6/1997), of Ventura, along with two juvenile males have been charged in the murder of Joseph Cruz committed on December 25, 2017, in the city of Ventura. Gallegos and the two juveniles are charged with committing the murder with the use of a knife, and in association with and for the benefit of a criminal street gang. The case was investigated by the Ventura Police Department.

Gallegos has pled not guilty to the charge and special allegations. A court hearing has been scheduled for Gallegos on January 31, 2018, and he remains in custody at the Ventura County jail in lieu of $1,110,000 bail. The arraignment for the two juveniles was continued to February 6, 2018. They remain detained and their next hearing will be held at the Juvenile Justice Center. A motion to transfer the juvenile cases to adult court has been filed by the District Attorney’s Office.