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Oxnard Man Charged in 2014 Park Stabbing After Genetic Genealogy Break

Genetic genealogy matched relatives from preserved 2014 DNA, giving detectives the lead they lacked for years.

Overview

  • Ventura County officials said Monday that 32-year-old Jose Antonio Jimenez was arrested Thursday and charged with murder in the 2014 stabbing of Labh Nigah near Sierra Linda Elementary.
  • Police said the FBI’s genetic genealogy team traced relatives from crime-scene DNA, including a sibling found through leads that reached Houston, which pointed investigators to Jimenez.
  • Prosecutors filed three sentencing enhancements that allege use of a knife, especially cruel and vicious conduct, and an ambush on a defenseless victim.
  • Investigators reported no prior link between Nigah and the defendant and described a random daytime attack that unfolded in view of school staff and students, which Nigah’s daughters said still shapes their daily lives.
  • Jimenez remains in custody as prosecutors seek to revoke the initial $500,000 bail, with ABC7 reporting it was raised to $1 million and a continued arraignment set for April 28.