Update: Homicide in Lemon Grove
March 1, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on February 23, 2025, at about 12:40 p.m., 
deputies from the Lemon Grove Substation responded to an assault with a deadly weapon report at Kunkel Park. Upon their arrival at around 12:44 p.m., they discovered Anthony Trujillo lying on the ground within the park, suffering from trauma to his upper torso.
Deputies immediately began first aid and life-saving procedures, later supported by Heartland Fire and AMR paramedics. Anthony Trujillo was transported by AMR to a nearby hospital but unfortunately passed away due to his injuries.
On February 24, 2025, an autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner's Office revealed that the preliminary cause of death was a gunshot wound to the neck, and the manner was classified as homicide.
Related: San Diego County Sheriff Identifies Victim in Homicide at Kunkel Park in Lemon Grove
On February 27, 2025, Andrew Gomez Cardona, aged 26, was apprehended at a residence in the 900 block of S. Magnolia Ave., in El Cajon. Cardona has been booked on charges related to the murder of Anthony Trujillo. Gomez informed detectives he was living in Lemon Grove at the time of his arrest.
The Sheriff's Homicide Unit extends our gratitude to the US Marshals San Diego Fugitive Task Force, Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Detail, East County Regional Gang Task Force/Street Team, and the Lemon Grove Substation deputies and area detectives for their invaluable assistance in this investigation.
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
Related: San Diego County Sheriff Identifies Victim in Homicide at Kunkel Park in Lemon Grove