Itzcoatl Ocampo: The Troubled Path of a Suspected Serial Killer

Early Life and Background

Itzcoatl Misael Ocampo entered the world on March 20, 1988, in the bustling expanse of Mexico City. As the eldest of three siblings, Ocampo was born into a family that soon sought new beginnings across borders. Shortly after his birth, the Ocampos relocated to Yorba Linda, California, in search of a better life. His father, a lawyer by training, took up work as a vacuum repairman and secured a modest apartment for the family.

The Ocampos' American dream saw fruition when, after 12 years of navigating legal protocols, they obtained U.S. citizenship. Ocampo attended Esperanza High School in Anaheim, where he became known for his friendly disposition and political inclinations, particularly his support for the Republican Party and President George W. Bush’s foreign policies. However, his high school years were not without hardship. Ocampo faced severe bullying due to his stature and was mockingly dubbed "High Waters" by peers.

Upon graduating in 2006, Ocampo, alongside several friends, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served at Camp Pendleton within the 15th Regiment, 1st Medical Battalion, and was later deployed to Iraq in 2008. Though he did not engage in combat, his duties involved the crucial task of transporting water and fuel. For his service, Ocampo was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. During his deployment, a troubling incident occurred where Ocampo pointed his weapon at an ally, resulting in a Non-Judicial Punishment, demotion to Private First Class, pay reduction, and additional duties.

Back in the U.S., Ocampo faced further challenges. At Camp Pendleton, he suffered a significant head injury due to a faulty latch on a 7-ton vehicle. Coupled with the economic downturn of the Great Recession, he struggled to find work, eventually settling for a landscaping job. Family troubles mounted as his father's drug addiction led to his parents' divorce, forcing Ocampo and his siblings to live with relatives. Discharged honorably in July 2010, Ocampo returned to Yorba Linda, yet found himself haunted by the death of his close friend, Patiño, who perished in Afghanistan. This loss exacerbated Ocampo's alcohol abuse and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition he felt unqualified to claim due to his non-combat role. By late 2011, his mental health had deteriorated significantly, marked by hypochondria and clinical delirium.

A String of Murders

The darkness brewing within Ocampo manifested violently on October 25, 2011. He visited the home of former classmate Eder Herrera, where Herrera’s mother, Raquel Estrada, and brother, Juan, were present. In a frenzied assault, Ocampo stabbed Raquel 30 times and Juan 60 times. Neighbors bore witness to this horror, providing police with descriptions that led to Herrera’s arrest. Despite his denials and the lack of solid evidence, Herrera remained the prime suspect due to a recent argument with the victims.

On December 21, 2011, Ocampo struck again in Placentia. He attacked James McGillivray, a 53-year-old homeless man, stabbing him to death in a shopping center parking lot. The act was captured on CCTV, allowing police to release a suspect sketch.

Ocampo's spree continued a week later with the murder of Lloyd "Jim" Middaugh, a 42-year-old man living under an Anaheim bridge. Middaugh suffered multiple stab wounds, echoing the brutality of Ocampo's previous crime. Two days later, 57-year-old Paulus Smit fell victim in Yorba Linda, stabbed over 60 times and left in a library parking lot.

The media quickly picked up on the pattern of killings targeting homeless men, prompting increased police patrols. In early January 2012, the Los Angeles Times featured an interview with John Barry, a 64-year-old Vietnam veteran who warned others to be vigilant. Ocampo, feeling the walls closing in, began stalking Barry. On January 12, 2012, Barry reported his suspicions to police, but refused to move to a shelter. The following day, Ocampo fatally stabbed Barry near a Carl's Jr. in Anaheim, in full view of witnesses.

Capture and Legal Proceedings

Ocampo's brazen attack on Barry led to his swift capture. Witnesses pursued him as others called the police. He attempted to discard his bloodied clothing but was apprehended a few hundred meters from the scene. Police recovered a stainless steel knife with a 7-inch blade from Ocampo, linking him to the murders. He was charged with Barry's murder, and further investigation tied the weapon to the killings of the three homeless men. Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas announced intentions to pursue the death penalty.

On February 4, 2012, forensic analysis of bloodstains on Ocampo's shoes connected him to the Estrada-Herrera murders. Consequently, Herrera, jailed for three months, was exonerated. Ocampo's defense argued he was mentally unfit for trial, citing symptoms of psychosis. Despite these claims, his trial was slated for January 17, 2014.

A Tragic End

Before the legal process could unfold, tragedy struck. On November 27, 2013, Ocampo consumed several packets of Ajax, a cleaning detergent he had secretly amassed. He lost consciousness and was declared dead on November 28 from acute poisoning, leaving many questions unanswered and justice unserved for the victims and their families.

Sources

• Wikipedia Page on Itzcoatl Ocampo