Watsonville Police and FBI searching for 2004 murder suspect

Watsonville Police and the FBI are making a renewed effort to find Mario Lozano.

“He’s a gang member from here. He’s got ties here. I know there’s peoplewho know where he’s at,” said Sgt. Eric Montalbo.

Monday Police said Lozano is wanted for murder for a stabbing that happened December 3, 2004. Detectives say Lozano brutally stabbed 17-year-old Isaac Guzman multiple times in broad daylight on Airport Blvd., in the middle of the street.

Police say there were many witnesses to the crime, some who even took cell phone photos of the suspect fleeing the scene.

Lozano is a known gang member and Police believe he may have fled to Mexico to avoid capture.

The photo on the right was enhanced by the FBI.

Lozano was 18-years-old when detective say he committed crime and is now 29-years-old. The FBI is also offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Just teenages when the crime was committed, the Youth Center in Watsonville said gang life is a reality for many teens.

Julio Neri with the Youth Center said gangs are prevalent “because their families are not there with them, parents aren’t paying attention to the kids and it’s difficult for us to help those who just walk away from us.”

Walk away, and chose a life on the run like Lozano. Hewas last known to have “Roxanne” tattooed on the right side of his neck, four dots on his left wrist, a large mole or birthmark on the right side of his neck.

“These victims are never forgotten in our eyes. We are dealing with a homicide investigation. It’s never done until the suspect is actually arrested and convicted of the crime,” said Montalbo.

Anyone with information about Lozano is asked to call the Watsonville Police Department’s investigations division at 831- 768-3389 or the Watsonville Police Department’s crime tip line at 831-768-3350 or by texting WATSPD to 888777.