Teen Charged for Murder of Lompoc Man

Source: District Attorney of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced today that murder charges have been filed against 18-year-old Jorge Solis Tafoya, Jr.

Specifically, Mr. Tafoya is charged with one felony count of Murder, in violation of Penal Code Section 187(a) as well as an enhancement for intentionally and personally using a firearm, which caused the death of Maurilio De La Cruz on February 19, 2022 in the City of Lompoc.

Mr. Tafoya is set for arraignment on the complaint in Santa Maria Superior Court at 8:30 a.m. on April 4, 2022, in Department 9.

Source: Lompoc Police Department

On the early morning of 2/19/22, Maurilio Delacruz was killed during a shooting in the 1000 block of North H Street. During the investigation, Lompoc Detectives identified 18-year-old Jorge Tafoya Jr. as a suspect and an arrest warrant was issued for him.

On 3/30/22, Lompoc Detectives located Tafoya Jr. at a residence in the 1300 block of West Pine Avenue and he was taken into custody after negotiating a peaceful surrender.

Tafoya Jr. was booked into Lompoc Jail for 187 PC – Murder.