Suspect pleads not guilty to stabbing man found on Costa Mesa lawn

A 36-year-old known gang member accused in a Costa Mesa stabbing death pleaded not guilty Friday to murder and arson charges.

John Breceda, of Santa Ana, allegedly slashed the throat of another man while the two were together in a car in Costa Mesa on May 30.

The victim, Floriberto Villasenor Cortes, 44, of Santa Ana, tried to run but collapsed on a lawn on Peppertree Lane and later died at a hospital, according to authorities. Authorities have not said what led to the stabbing.

Authorities allege that Breceda then drove off in Villasenor Cortes’ car. Police said they found the car abandoned and burning the next day in a field near the 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano.

Costa Mesa police arrested Breceda on suspicion of murder June 30 while he was already in custody for an alleged probation violation.

Breceda has a long rap sheet dating to 1991 that includes arrests or convictions for burglary, theft, robbery, carjacking, assault on a police officer, possession of an assault weapon and more, according to court records.

He remains behind bars in lieu of $1 million bail.

A Santa Ana woman accused of helping Breceda after the alleged murder also pleaded not guilty Friday.

Police have not explained what role Marcela Raye Gomez-Lee, 50, allegedly played in the crime, but she’s charged with felony counts of accessory after the fact and arson.

She too is behind bars in lieu of $1 million bail.