News Releases

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cesar Manuel Zavala (DOB 12/12/85), of Simi Valley, has been charged in a domestic violence case with the attempted murder of his girlfriend. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon and the crime involving great violence. Today, Zavala pled not guilty to all charges during his first court appearance. He was also served with a criminal protective order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Zavala is scheduled for an early disposition conference on December 9, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in
courtroom 37 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail. A bail
review hearing is set for December 3, 2025.

Ventura County law enforcement agencies are proud to highlight new findings from the State of the Region Report 2025, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance, which once again identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California.

According to the report, Ventura County recorded 16.67 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, the lowest overall crime rate among California’s 16 largest counties. Although crime increased slightly from the record low of 2022, Ventura County continues to outperform every other large county in the state, an achievement the Civic Alliance notes is consistent with long-standing trends.

“These data points reflect years of strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies and a shared commitment to proactive, community-focused policing,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The long-term trend is clear, Ventura County remains one of the safest places to live, work, and raise a family.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, was convicted by a jury of the first-degree murder of Rachel Castillo, the mother of their children. Ms. Castillo was in the process of divorcing the defendant, and the divorce was nearly complete at the time Ali murdered her. The jury also found true the special circumstance that the murder was committed by means of lying in wait and that Ali used a knife. Prior to trial, Ali pled guilty to the felony crime of sexual contact with the victim’s remains after her death. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that all three juveniles charged with hate crime allegations in connection with the August 1, 2025, assault at the Simi Valley Regal Cinema have now been sentenced.

The final minor charged with a hate crime was sentenced on November 19, 2025, to serve 270 days, consisting of 240 days in the locked Juvenile Facility and 30 days on electronic monitoring. On November 13, the other two minors charged with a hate crime were each sentenced to serve 240 days, consisting of 210 days in the Juvenile Facility and 30 days on electronic monitoring. All three minors were ordered to participate in the Harm to Healing Restorative Justice Program and the Anti-Defamation League Program.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Angel Ramirez (DOB 02/10/07), of Oxnard, has been charged with murder for the shooting of Alejandro Soto. Ramirez is also charged with shooting at an occupied vehicle and faces the special allegations of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and commission of a felony after release on bail.

Ramirez made his first court appearance today. His arraignment was continued to December 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $2 million.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, along with 11 other California District Attorneys, has reached a $3.15 million settlement with Clark Pest Control of Stockton (Clark), Orkin Services of California (Orkin), and Crane Pest Control (Crane). The judgment resolves allegations that the companies violated California laws involving the unlawful disposal of pesticides, hazardous waste, and the failure to take reasonable steps to protect customer personal information.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jannier Misael Urbina-Avila (DOB 02/02/93), of Ventura, has been charged with forcible rape, kidnapping to commit rape, and assault with intent to commit rape for the sexual assault that occurred at Kellogg Park on November 9, 2025. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support a specialized prosecution team that handles alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We remain firmly committed to protecting our community from impaired driving,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachelle Dean said. “Support from the Office of Traffic Safety gives our prosecutors the resources they need to effectively pursue these cases and keep Ventura County’s roads safe.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Zavala (DOB 06/13/85), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of four felony counts of sexual abuse against two minor victims. Zavala was found guilty of three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Several special allegations were also found true, including that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence and that the victims were particularly vulnerable.

“The two young victims in this case showed exceptional courage by testifying in open court and confronting the person who harmed them,” Senior Deputy DA Michael Kern said. “Their strength made this verdict possible and reinforces that Ventura County will not tolerate crimes of this nature.”