Police Seek 2 More Suspects in Slaying

Ventura police said Friday they are searching for two additional gang members in connection with the slaying of an 18-year-old man who was beaten to death in September during an altercation over a noisy party.

Seven gang members and gang associates, including a 14-year-old boy, have already been arrested and charged with murdering William Scott Zara on Sept. 25, authorities said.

Zara was beaten with a bat and shovel and stabbed several times outside his apartment in the 300 block of East Warner Street. The suspects allegedly believed Zara had called police to complain about noise at a party across the street.

Arrest warrants were issued Friday for Benny Mendez Lopez, 18, and Thomas Matthew Barrios, 21, said Ventura Police Lt. Gary McCaskill.

Lopez is Latino, 5 feet 4, 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He has several tattoos, including three dots on his right hand and “Love & Respect of Alicia” on his chest.

Barrios is Latino, 5 feet 11, 175 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He has the name “Lisa” tattooed on the left side of his chest and “Erika” on the right side of his chest.