Update: Homicide in Lemon Grove
February 25, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have confirmed the identity of the victim from the 
recent homicide investigation as 51-year-old Anthony Trujillo.
On February 23, 2025, at approximately 12:40 p.m., deputies from the Lemon Grove Substation responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at Kunkel Park. Upon arrival at approximately 12:44 p.m., deputies found Trujillo lying on the ground inside the park, showing signs of trauma to his upper torso.
Deputies quickly initiated first aid and life-saving measures, later assisted by Heartland Fire and AMR paramedics. Anthony Trujillo was transported by AMR to a local hospital; however, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
On February 24, 2025, the Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and determined that the preliminary cause of death was a gunshot wound to the neck, with the manner classified as homicide.
The Sheriff's Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation. At this time, the motivation and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident remain unclear. Preliminary findings indicate that the victim and suspect were acquainted. Investigators are actively seeking further information to establish the facts of this case.
As the investigation is ongoing, no additional information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
