Full Breakdown
Genetic Genealogy Leads to Arrest in 2014 Cold Case Murder in Oxnard
4/9/2026, 8:20:40 AM
Overview of the Cold Case
On April 2, 2026, Jose Antonio Jimenez was arrested in connection with the 2014 murder of Labh Nigah, who was fatally stabbed in Sierra Linda Park, Oxnard, California. Nigah, a 55-year-old husband and father of three, was attacked in broad daylight after dropping his son off at a nearby elementary school on November 13, 2014. Despite the presence of DNA evidence and multiple witnesses, the case went cold for over a decade until advancements in genetic genealogy provided new leads.
The Investigation and Arrest
Detectives initially gathered substantial forensic evidence, including DNA samples, but were unable to match them to any known offenders in the national database. In 2018, the identification of Joseph James DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer prompted Cmdr. Miguel Serrato to seek assistance from the FBI's genetic genealogy task force. This led to the identification of Jimenez as a suspect through his relatives.
Jimenez, who was 20 at the time of the murder and has lived just blocks from the crime scene, was charged with first-degree murder and special allegations for using a deadly weapon and committing the crime with great violence against a vulnerable victim. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko stated that there was no evidence suggesting that Nigah and Jimenez knew each other, characterizing the murder as random and unprovoked.
Family Impact and Community Response
Nigah's family expressed their shock and gratitude upon learning of the arrest. His daughters, Harleen and Arshneel Kaur, described their father as a hardworking immigrant who sought a better life for his children. They emphasized the emotional toll the unsolved case had taken on their family over the years. Arshneel Kaur remarked, “I am still in a state of shock. I am incredibly surprised that there's been some step taken towards resolution,” highlighting the complexity of their feelings regarding the long-awaited development.
Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites noted the case's disturbing nature, stating that even veteran detectives were affected by the brutality of the crime. Cmdr. Serrato expressed hope that the arrest would provide some closure for Nigah's family, who had endured years of uncertainty.
Official Statements
In a press conference, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko affirmed the significance of the arrest, stating, “By all accounts, they were total and complete strangers to one another and this was a random, unprovoked and brutal murder.” He also indicated that the investigation would continue to seek further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was one of those cases that even seasoned veteran homicide detectives found to be especially disturbing,” — Jason Benites, Oxnard Police Chief
- “There is no evidence that the victim knew the defendant or the defendant knew the victim,” — Erik Nasarenko, Ventura County District Attorney
- “They never made us believe that this case wouldn't be resolved.” — Arshneel Kaur, Nigah’s daughter
What's Next
Jimenez remains in custody with bail set at $500,000, and his arraignment is scheduled for April 6, 2026. Prosecutors plan to request that his bail be revoked as the case progresses. The Oxnard Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder, aiming to provide further answers to Nigah's family.
