Judge Finds Sufficient Evidence For Santa Paula Man To Face Trial For Ventura Killing

Friday September 13, 2024

     Updated-At the end of a five-day preliminary hearing a Ventura County judge Friday said there was sufficient evidence for a Santa Paula man to face trial for the shooting death of a man in Ventura.

     Prosecutors allege 22-year-old Jose Posadas of Santa Paula killed 25-year-old Joe Ramirez of Ventura shortly after midnight on February 18, 2023 in the 11000 block of Mimosa Street in east Ventura.

     They say the fatal shooting took place at the end of an argument between the two men outside of a residence.

     Police found Ramirez inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest and he was rushed to VCMC where he died.

     Posadas was arrested three days later after police served search warrant at a home in the 700 block of Santa Paula Street in Santa Paula.

     In addition to the murder charge, Posadas is facing several special allegations regarding past prior convictions, use of a firearm to cause great bodily injury, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

     Prosecutors say Posadas is a known gang member with an extensive criminal record and he is also charged with conspiracy in connection with the fatal shooting that involves other suspects.

     He remains in the Ventura County Jail and cannot be released.

     Posadas is due back in court on September 30th to have a trial date set.