Calipatria Homicide Investigation Leads to Two Arrests

by StaffReport3 - Press Release , January 22, 2025

“The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Fred Miramontes Sheriff-Coroner-Marshal

PRESS RELEASE Calipatria Homicide Investigation

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, at approximately 2130 hours, the Calipatria Police Department responded to a report of a male subject laying on the ground near the area of Railroad Street and Delta Street within the City limits of Calipatria.

Upon arrival, Calipatria Police Officers located a male subject unresponsive on the ground. Emergency medical lifesaving measures were performed, unfortunately the male subject succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene where he was located. The male subject was later identified as 28-year-old Nicholas Spence, a resident of Calipatria. The Calipatria Police Department requested the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office take lead over this investigation due to the severity of circumstances.

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office North County Patrol Division immediately responded to the scene to assist. Based upon a preliminary investigation and evidence located at the scene, it was determined to be a suspicious death. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit responded to the scene to conduct an investigation into the circumstances in the death of Mr. Spence.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office conducted a follow up investigation to identify and locate the person(s) involved. Investigators identified 22-year-old Johvan Herrero of Niland, as a person of interest in the death of Mr. Spence.

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at approximately 0850 hours, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies located and apprehended Johvan Herrero during a traffic stop in Niland, California.

Johvan Herrero was arrested and booked into the Imperial County Jail for murder and assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $1,000,000.00. Subsequently, in direct relation to this investigation, 25-year-old Xochitl Rendon of Niland was also arrested and booked into the Imperial County Jail for being an accessory to this crime. Her bail was set at $10,000.00.

This remains an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Ilse Ruiz of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office at (442) 265-2105.”