Homicide suspect still evading Costa Mesa police

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- It has been more than two months since 16-year-old

Ceceline Godsoe was found lying dead on a brush-covered trail in Fairview

Park.

And it has been exactly two months since a no-bail juvenile warrant

was issued for the arrest of 17-year-old Victor Garcia, suspected of

bludgeoning Godsoe to death.

The teenager is still on the run, Costa Mesa police say.

“It’s not terribly difficult for someone to disappear for a while,”

said Costa Mesa Lt. Dale Birney. “This is not at all uncommon.”

Police said there is strong physical evidence that linked Garcia to

the homicide and detectives suspect he may be hiding out in Mexico.

But Birney said that is only a guess and there is no sure evidence

that points across the border.

“If we do find out he is in Mexico, we will work with authorities and

make sure we bring him to justice,” he said.

Birney said Costa Mesa has worked on cases where homicide suspects

have not been arrested for more than a year.

“These people know they are wanted,” he said. “That’s what makes it

challenging for us.”

Garcia may face more penalties for eluding authorities, but that would

depend on the judge, Birney said.

Police said Garcia fled his Costa Mesa home after learning of the

investigation.

Godsoe’s body was discovered the morning of Sept. 21. Police say

friends had seen Godsoe meet with Garcia at the park the night of Sept.

20.

The Costa Mesa Police Department is also offering a $5,000 reward for

information leading to Garcia’s arrest and conviction.

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 feet 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 at (714) 754-5255.