Judge Finds Sufficient Evidence For Defendant In Port Hueneme Bicyclist Murder Case To Face Trial

Monday June 24, 2024

     Updated--A judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence for an Oxnard man to face trial for murder in the death of a bicyclist in Port Hueneme more than three years ago.

     31-year-old Samuel Rocha is charged with murder and attempted murder in an April 2021 incident in Port Hueneme in which he is alleged to have intentionally run down a group of teenage bicyclists

     The criminal case against Rocha was on hold after he was found to be incompetent to understand the charges against him or aid in his defense.

     But in April of last year doctors found him competent and the criminal case against him was reinstated.

     Rocha is alleged to have intentionally run down a group of teenage bicyclists on Ventura Road and Pleasant Valley Road in Port Hueneme on the night of April 19, 2021.

     One of the bicyclists was killed, several others were injured.

     All the victims were teenagers.

     He initially fled the scene, then turned himself in later.

     Rocha remains in jail and is due back in court on July 9th.