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Ex-Boyfriend Called 'Person Of Interest' In Santa Ana Woman's Slaying

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — The ex-boyfriend of a 21-year-old woman found fatally stabbed in a Santa Ana alley is being sought by police as a person of interest in her death.

The body of Maria Isabel Cerrillo was discovered around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Laurel Street.

Investigators said she suffered multiple stab wounds.

The victim's car was found 300 yards away from the scene.

"She does not have any criminal history. Is not related to gangs. She is not a prostitute. She appears to be a young lady that lives at home with her parents and something drew her to this neighborhood. What it is, why this happened... is what we're trying to piece together," Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

luis morales
Luis Morales (credit: Santa Ana Police Department)

Investigators were led to Cerrillo's ex, 24-year-old Luis Antonio Garcia Morales, after talking with family and friends of the victim.

Cerrillo's father, Basilio, said his daughter and Morales were once romantically involved, and Morales became jealous when she started to see someone else.

Officials said Morales showed up for work at a restaurant in Santa Ana on Wednesday morning.

He apparently told his family and friends he would be going to Mexico.

Morales is considered armed and dangerous.

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