TUSTIN, Calif. — A former boyfriend has been charged with the murder of Sandra Fernandez, who was shot and killed outside her workplace shortly after finishing a training session. The case has drawn attention as questions linger over the circumstances surrounding her death.
Juan Marquez, 47, allegedly waited near Fernandez’s job on May 14, when he shot the 42-year-old mother of three as she was leaving for the day. Family members described Fernandez as an enthusiastic employee who recently started her new position. Authorities say she was walking to her vehicle when the gunfire erupted, with paramedics declaring her dead at the scene.
First responders arrived just after 6 p.m. to find Fernandez unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported seeing a man dressed in black speed away in an older model sedan. Following initial investigation efforts, police identified Marquez as Fernandez’s ex-boyfriend and quickly focused their search on him.
Detectives unraveled Marquez’s movements, discovering he had crossed into Mexico shortly after the shooting. By May 16, law enforcement officials secured an arrest warrant for him. U.S. Customs and Border Protection subsequently detained Marquez as he attempted to reenter the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Tustin detectives took him into custody without incident.
Prosecutors have charged Marquez with murder and included special circumstances related to premeditated actions taken prior to the shooting. The allegations add considerable weight to the case, indicating prosecutors intend to prove that Marquez planned the assault rather than acting on impulse. While police categorized the incident as isolated, they have not disclosed a motive for the crime.
Tributes to Fernandez have poured in from family and friends who remember her as a dedicated parent and beloved community member. A fundraising effort initiated by her niece aims to cover funeral expenses, as the family was unprepared for the loss. The fundraiser highlighted that Fernandez was a single mother raising a young child and two teenagers, and depicted her as someone with a bright future ahead.
Coping with the loss has been profoundly challenging for those who knew her. Her niece, Melitza Uribe, expressed the family’s lingering pain, stating they seek answers about why this tragedy occurred. Uribe underscored the lasting impact that Fernandez had on her family’s lives, saying, “She brought happiness and a steady presence to all of us.”
Colleagues at her workplace have also shared their grief, noting that even in her short time there, Fernandez made significant connections and left a lasting impression. Co-worker Cassie Rossel remarked on her ability to forge relationships quickly, making the loss especially poignant for those who had just begun to know her.
As the investigation continues, the case now awaits formal proceedings as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the charges against Marquez. He remains in custody in Orange County without bail. The next step in the legal process will be a court hearing where the charges and allegations will be addressed in greater detail.