2 juveniles, 20-year-old man arrested in Christmas Day stabbing in Ventura

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- A 20-year-old man and two teenagers have been arrested in the alleged murder of a 30-year-old man in Ventura on Christmas, according to police.

Detectives with the Ventura Police Department said the victim, Joseph Cruz, was approached by three suspects on the second floor of the parking structure at 500 E. Harbor Boulevard shortly before 10 p.m. when the suspects attacked him.

Police said they battered and stabbed Cruz, and video surveillance in the area captured the attack.

Detectives were able to identify the suspects, who are known gang members. They said it appears that the victim was targeted, and the stabbing was not a random crime.

Chris Gallegos, 20, was arrested in the 200 block of W. Simpson Street in Ventura on Wednesday. The next day, a 17-year-old suspect, who was found hiding from SWAT officers in the 200 block of W. Ramona Street, was eventually taken into custody without incident. The juvenile's identity was withheld due to his age.

A 16-year-old, who was already in custody at Ventura County Juvenile Hall for an unrelated case, was arrested in the crime. His identity was also withheld.

All three suspects were booked for murder, street terrorism and conspiracy.