Fillmore shooting suspect arrested on warrant for 2025 park gunfire

Ventura County Sheriff's deputies arrested Kristian Morfin, 24, of Fillmore, on Sept. 2 on a felony warrant tied to a March 2025 shooting near a neighborhood park with juveniles present.

The incident. On March 16, 2025, at about 8:35 p.m., residents reported shots fired near Goodenough Road at 4th Street in Fillmore. The area is near a neighborhood park that had juveniles in it at the time, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. One witness reported a male exited a vehicle and chased another vehicle moments before a gunshot. Deputies arrived within minutes and located evidence confirming a shooting had occurred.

The investigation. The Fillmore Detective Unit took over the investigation and, with community assistance, identified Morfin as the suspect. Morfin is a known criminal street gang member from Fillmore, the department said.

First arrest and release. On May 8, 2025, detectives obtained a search warrant for Morfin, his residence, and his vehicle. The following day, detectives contacted Morfin at his place of employment in Ventura and executed the warrant on him and his vehicle. During the search, detectives found a stolen, loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun under the driver's seat. Evidence linked the firearm to the shooting. Morfin was arrested for weapon violations and booked at the Main Jail, then released pending laboratory results for the firearm, according to the release.

Final arrest. Over the next several months, the Sheriff's Crime Lab obtained additional evidence linking the firearm to the shooting and Morfin to the firearm. On Sept. 2, 2026, Fillmore detectives obtained an arrest warrant. At about 4:28 p.m., deputies located Morfin loitering at the Rancho Sespe Apartments and arrested him.

Charges. The warrant included: discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm, and unlawful firearm transfer.

Morfin was transported to the Main Jail and booked pending court proceedings, the department said.

How to help. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Call 800-222-TIPS.