Two Ventura men held to answer on gang-related robbery, carjacking, kidnapping
Jose Valencia-Rios and Aaden Gutierrez Diaz were held to answer on felony charges including robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and participation in a criminal street gang after a multi-day preliminary hearing in Ventura County Superior Court.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Jose Valencia-Rios and Aaden Gutierrez Diaz, both of Ventura, were held to answer on felony charges following a multi-day preliminary hearing in Ventura County Superior Court.
The charges. The two men are charged in connection with the robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping of a victim allegedly committed for the benefit of a gang, according to the district attorney's Oct. 21 news release. The charges include four felony counts: robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and participation in a criminal street gang. Two special allegations also apply to both defendants: violent felony street-gang activity and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
The incident. On March 25, 2026, at approximately 2:43 a.m., Valencia-Rios, Gutierrez Diaz, and other individuals allegedly approached a victim who was alone and took his cellular phone, keys, and wallet, according to the news release. Valencia-Rios, Gutierrez Diaz, and their associates then allegedly entered the victim's vehicle. When the victim attempted to prevent them from fleeing, they allegedly forcefully pulled him into the vehicle, closed the door, and drove away. A short distance later, they pushed the victim out of the vehicle and fled with his car.
The aftermath. The defendants and their associates allegedly drove into rival gang territory, recorded, and posted social media videos. At approximately 7:53 a.m., law enforcement apprehended Valencia-Rios and Gutierrez Diaz in the stolen vehicle. Gutierrez Diaz was driving and allegedly had the victim's credit card, a black glove, and a black ski mask in his possession.
The prosecutor. Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Horlick, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Major Crimes Gang Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Next step and status. Valencia-Rios and Gutierrez Diaz are scheduled to be arraigned on the information on Nov. 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Valencia-Rios remains out of custody on bond, while Gutierrez Diaz was released on his own recognizance.
Sources
- Ventura County District Attorney news release No. 26-149, Oct. 21, 2026 (district attorney news release)Oct 21, 2026
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