A warrant has been issued from Santa Cruz County charging murder against suspect Miguel Ramirez Loza.  The Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation has established a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect in this crime.  

Loza has ties to Watsonville and Santa Cruz.  There is a likelihood that Loza will return to the United States.  He is transient and looks clean cut.  He frequents campsites and homeless services.  He uses public transportation and hitchhikes.  

Miguel Loza is wanted for the murder of Jessica Amber Sheridan.  Sheridan, age 17 years old at the time of the assault in February 2003, was stabbed by Loza.  A second female juvenile victim was assaulted by Loza during the same incident.  Sheridan suffered from anoxic brain injury as a result of the attack and died at a long-term care facility in August 2003.  Loza fled Santa Cruz County and went to Mexico.  Loza was released from jail in Mexico in February 2005 after serving time for crimes committed there that included robbery as well as absconding with a 13 year old female runaway.

Loza should be considered armed and dangerous. 

Anyone with information about this homicide suspect can contact:

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office at 
(831) 454-2311 
or
9-1-1

Suspect:
Miguel Loza 

Age:
29

Height:
507

Weight:
150

Eyes:
Brown

Hair:
Black

Race:
Hispanic

Date of Birth:
02/08/1976

Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office
Case# 03-01368