Six Suspects, Primarily Teenage Boys, Jailed in Fatal Suspected Gang Fight in Escondido

A half-dozen suspects — all but two of them teenage boys — have been jailed in connection with a suspected gang-related fight in Escondido during which two men were stabbed, one fatally, authorities reported Tuesday.

The suspects allegedly were involved in the April 27 fracas in the 1000 block of North Ivy Street, which left 37-year-old Manuel Ramirez of Escondido fatally wounded, according to police. A second man also suffered stab injuries during the late-night brawl but survived.

Arrested over the last several days on suspicion of murder in the case were four boys — two of them 16 years old, one 15 and the other 17, Escondido police Lt. Ryan Hicks said. The teens, whose names were withheld because they are minors, were booked into juvenile hall in San Diego. Jailed in adult county lockup were Ricardo Fernandez, 19, and 22-year-old Jose Francisco Martinez.

The six suspects, all residents of Escondido, were booked on suspicion of first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and participating in a criminal street gang.

“Detectives do not believe there are any additional suspects in this case at this time,” the lieutenant said Tuesday afternoon.