Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Ramon Joseph Rivas of Simi Valley, was sentenced to 51 years-to-life for the stabbing death of his girlfriend, Jessica Marie Tinoco. Rivas previously pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026, to second-degree murder and admitted all special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon, the crime involved great violence, the victim being particularly vulnerable, and strike priors.
Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Homicide Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The defendant’s willingness to take responsibility for his horrendous crime doesn’t excuse what he did to the victim and her family,” Mr. Barrick said.
On September 27, 2024, the Simi Valley Police Department responded to a stabbing at a residence. When officers arrived, Rivas exited the home shirtless with blood on his upper torso and was taken into custody. Officers entered the residence and found Tinoco lying just inside the front door suffering from multiple stab wounds to her face, abdomen, and arms.
Officers also located a bent steak knife with blood on it on the living room floor, along with blood throughout the residence.
Tinoco was transported to Los Robles Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The stabbing occurred in front of Tinoco’s five children. Witnesses stated that during a domestic dispute, Rivas went into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and began attacking Tinoco. The children fled the residence. Tinoco was stabbed multiple times, including four wounds that were determined to be fatal.