The Santa Cruz Police Department has arrested a suspect in the city’s second homicide of 2024. According to SCPD, officers responded to a stabbing in the 1200 block of Branciforte Drive in the George Washington Grove area around 11:56 a.m. on April 19, 2024.
The victim was transported to an area hospital but succumbed to his injuries. SCPD says the preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and others were involved in a physical altercation before the stabbing occurred. After the stabbing, SCPD investigators apprehended Joseph Young on a charge of murder.
Detectives say Young and the victim were acquaintances and both were present at the park. It is alleged that Young and the victim had a disagreement that led to the stabbing. Authorities say the victim was targeted due to a prior negative relationship with the suspect.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.