Man, 36, Found Shot to Death in His Home

Residents in this quiet community expressed shock Friday after waking up to the clamor of Orange County crime lab investigators at work after a 36-year-old man was found shot to death inside his residence.

The victim’s body was discovered by a woman who lived there after she returned to the residence about 11 p.m. in the 26000 block of Valenzuela Circle, said Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Ron Wilkerson.

The victim was found dead from at least two gunshots, Wilkerson said. He said no weapon was found inside the residence.

Sheriff’s investigators did not have a motive for the crime but downplayed the likelihood of a home invasion and robbery.

“There were no smashed windows” in the residence, Wilkerson said. “And, it doesn’t appear outwardly to be an invasion robbery or anything like that.”

Neighbors said the couple had not lived in the home on Valenzuela Circle for long. They also said they did not hear anything unusual Thursday night such as gunshots.

On Friday, deputies had cordoned off an entire cul-de-sac, limiting access to the public.

“I’ve been working on this house since December,” said Robert Irby, a drywall finisher working in the neighborhood, “and it’s really quiet around here.”

The victim’s identity was not released, pending notification of relatives, Wilkerson said.