Gang Member Is Sought in Slaying

An Oxnard gang member with a history of domestic violence convictions has been named as the suspect in the shooting death of a Port Hueneme woman one week ago.

Armed with an arrest warrant, Ventura police continued their search Thursday for Harold Edward Marshall, 32.

Investigators believe Marshall shot Irene Imelda Mata, 22, once in the head as the two sat in a car in the 3000 block of Bunsen Avenue, next to the Ventura Freeway.

Mata’s body was found July 26 in the front passenger seat of the 1991 Chevy Camaro.

Witnesses told police the car rear-ended an abandoned van after the shooting, and that a man was seen running from the scene.

Ventura Police Lt. Doug Auldridge said Marshall and Mata were involved in a romantic relationship, and that the motive for the shooting was unknown.

Investigators believe that Marshall is in Oxnard with family or friends.

An eight-hour search was conducted for the gunman using bloodhounds, SWAT officers and sheriff’s helicopters.

Auldridge said detectives have interviewed Marshall’s mother on several occasions and have asked for assistance from the public through the Crime Stoppers hotline.

Marshall is described as 6 feet 2 with a teardrop tattoo under his left eye and lettering tattooed on the left and right side of his neck.

He has served more than a year in Ventura County Jail and state prison in connection with multiple child and spousal abuse convictions in Ventura and Oxnard, according to court records.

Although police believe the gun found at the scene was used in the shooting, they still consider Marshall armed and dangerous.

The warrant carries a $750,000 bail, Senior Deputy Dist. Atty. Richard Simon said.