Two Arrested in Connection to Stabbing That Claimed the Life of a 28-Year-Old Calipatria Man

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection to the murder of 28-year-old Nicholas Spence, who was found dead in Calipatria on Saturday night.

According to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO), the Calipatria Police Department responded to reports of a man lying on the ground near Railroad and Delta Streets at approximately 9:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Spence unresponsive. Despite emergency lifesaving measures, Spence was pronounced dead at the scene.

Due to the severity of the circumstances, Calipatria Police requested ICSO to take over the investigation. Preliminary findings and evidence at the scene led ICSO to classify the incident as a suspicious death. Investigators immediately began a thorough investigation.

The following day, ICSO identified 22-year-old Johvan Herrero of Niland as a person of interest. Herrero was located and apprehended during a traffic stop in Niland. He was later booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon. His bail has been set at $1 million.

In addition, 25-year-old Xochitl Rendon, also of Niland, was arrested as an accessory to the crime. Rendon’s bail was set at $10,000.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” said ICSO officials. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information about the case to contact Investigator Ilse Ruiz at (442) 265-2105.