Behind the Badge
Editor’s note: “Wanted Wednesday” spotlights a suspect wanted by the police. This week, we highlight a cold case in which a suspect is sought in a 27-year-old Garden Grove homicide.
Suspect’s name: Elidio Amzcua Birrueta, 66 (DOB 4/17/48)
AKAs: Juan Rodriguez Ramirez
Rafael Amezcua Gutierrez
Elidio Amezcua Virrulia
His alleged crime? Murder
Description: Male Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches, 155 lbs.
Black hair and brown hair
Last known address: 814 S. Golden West, Santa Ana (1985-1986)
Bail: $250,000
Weapon: Knife (recovered)
Details of crime: On Aug. 15, 1987, Birrueta, who police describe as a homeowner/family man with four young children and “exceptionally jealous,” got in an argument with his wife, Arcelia Cisneros Birrueta, when she returned home late.
Police say that Birrueta dragged her out of the house screaming and stabbed her to death. He later told relatives her body could be found in the family van parked on Roberta Place in Garden Grove, police say. Birrueta speaks some English. At the time of the murder, he had worked and lived in Santa Ana and Garden Grove for about 12 years. Police believe Birrueta may have fled to Mexico or Central California.
Contact: Refer all information to Garden Grove PD Det. Farley at 714-741-5877
