Search heightens with reward

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- The Costa Mesa Police Department has announced a $5,000

reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Victor

Garcia, a teenager accused of bludgeoning 16-year-old Ceceline Godsoe to

death last month.

Godsoe’s body was found lying fully clothed on a brush-covered trail

in Fairview Park in the early morning hours of Sept 21.

Police believe she met her alleged killer at the park the night

before.

Officials issued a no-bail juvenile warrant for Garcia’s arrest Sept.

27 but have had no luck in arresting him so far. Police suspect Garcia

because his fingerprints matched those taken from the spot where Godsoe

was found.

Detectives working on the case suspect Garcia fled to Mexico. Police

say it will be a long and arduous process to track Garcia if he did

escape south of the border.

Godsoe, a Costa Mesa resident, died of blunt force trauma to her head,

according to the Orange County coroner.

Police also have not been able to determine a motive for the crime but

say it does not appear to be gang-related.

Garcia, also known as Victor Manuel Garduno or Pumpkin Head, is

described as having brown eyes, black hair and a tribal tattoo on his

upper left arm. He’s about 5-foot-8 and weighs about 195 pounds.

Those with information are asked to call Det. Mike Cacho at

(714)754-5340 or the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714)754-5255.