News Summary
Authorities have arrested four suspects linked to the murder of Rozzalle Hellens, who was shot outside a restaurant in Huntington Beach. The incident has raised concerns about escalating violence in the area, prompting intensified police investigations and community vigilance. All suspects are charged with murder and gang-related activities and are currently in custody awaiting arraignment.
Huntington Beach – Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of 29-year-old Rozzalle Hellens, who was fatally injured outside the Longboard Restaurant & Bar in downtown Huntington Beach early on September 15, 2024. The incident highlights the ongoing issues with violent crime in the area, prompting community concern and a heightened police response.
The incident took place around 2 a.m., when Hellens was found with significant injuries. He was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. After the shooting, the suspects fled, prompting an immediate investigation by the Huntington Beach Police Department.
On May 14, 2025, police made a significant breakthrough in the case by arresting Arnaldo Steven Malaca, 33, who faces multiple charges including murder, carrying a concealed firearm, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal street gang activity. Alongside him, three other suspects were also apprehended: 29-year-old Michael Cardoso, 25-year-old Roberto Lopez, and 22-year-old Jesus Torres-Martinez. All four are charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal street gang activity. Additionally, one suspect is charged as an accessory to murder.
Details regarding the specific type of injuries sustained by Hellens have not been disclosed by the authorities, nor is it clear if he was known to any of the suspects prior to the incident. Following the shooting, officers secured the crime scene on Main Street for roughly six hours to gather evidence and process the area.
Currently, all four suspects remain in custody at a bail amount of $1 million each and are set to be arraigned in Orange County Superior Court on May 16, 2025. The community remains on alert as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hellens’ death.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Huntington Beach Police Department issued an advisory notice regarding ongoing SWAT and detective activity linked to the case, reassuring the public that there was no immediate threat to their safety. The police department is actively seeking information from the community to assist in the investigation. They encourage anyone with insights or details to reach out to Detective Sergeant Anthony Pham at (714) 878-5640 or submit anonymous tips through OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227.
The murder of Rozzalle Hellens has raised alarms over gang-related activities and violent incidents in Huntington Beach, an area that has witnessed varying degrees of crime over the years. While the investigation progresses, the police department emphasizes the importance of community engagement and cooperation to combat such violence.
Authorities are committed to finding justice for the victim and providing answers to the family and the wider Huntington Beach community impacted by this tragic event. As this case develops, the Huntington Beach Police Department continues to navigate the complex dynamics of law enforcement and community safety.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: 4 Arrested in Huntington Beach Murder
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- KTLA: 4 Suspects Arrested in Downtown Huntington Beach
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Murder
- OC Register: 4 Arrested in Downtown Huntington Beach Killing
- Google Scholar: Huntington Beach Crime
- 2 Urban Girls: 4 OC Men Charged in Huntington Beach Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang Violence
- People: California Man Found Guilty in Murder
- Google News: Huntington Beach Crime
