NewsLos Angeles Times – CaliforniaOctober 25, 2026Los Angeles County
Ventura County investigators arrest first suspect in 2017 'Scream' mask cold case rape
Photo: Los Angeles Times – California
Ventura County prosecutors announced the first arrest in a 2017 cold case where a woman was attacked by men wearing Ghostface masks. Ricardo Jimenez-Garcia, 39, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sodomy following his arrest last month.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times – CaliforniaWhy It Matters
A suspect has been apprehended nearly a decade after a violent assault in Simi Valley, bringing criminal charges and ongoing public appeals for information in an unsolved case.
Key Facts
- Ventura County investigators made the first arrest in a 2017 cold case involving a woman attacked by men wearing Ghostface masks.
- Ricardo Jimenez-Garcia, 39, was arrested last month nearly a decade after the initial incident.
- The attack occurred on Sept. 21, 2017, in Simi Valley while the victim was walking to work around 4 a.m.
- The victim reported that the attackers wielded a knife during the assault.
- Court records indicate that Jimenez-Garcia is facing charges of rape and sodomy.
- Jimenez-Garcia pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- The District Attorney's Office requested the public’s help for additional information regarding Jimenez-Garcia, the attack, or potential additional victims.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRicardo Jimenez-Garcia“The first suspect arrested in the 2017 case, facing rape and sodomy charges”locationVentura County“Jurisdiction where investigators made the breakthrough and arrest”locationSimi Valley“Location where the 2017 attack occurred”OrganizationVentura County District Attorney's Office“Issued a news release regarding the cold case arrest”