The Sacramento Police Department has charged Kenneth Vega, 41, with the murder of Jesse Perez.

On Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at 1:23 p.m., officers responded to a fight occurring at Broadway and Alhambra Boulevard. Upon arrival, they located the victim who had an apparent stab wound to the neck. The victim was immediately transported to the hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene.  Detectives believe that Vega had been socializing with some friends and had assaulted one of them with a knife just prior to Perez's arrival. When Perez arrived, Vega attacked him, physically punching him in the head and neck. It was later determined that Vega was in fact stabbing Perez instead of punching him.

Officers contacted several witnesses at the time of the stabbing. The investigation revealed the identity of the suspect, Kenneth Vega. He was located later that day by the department's Career Criminal Apprehension Team, at a relative's house, and was booked into the Sacramento County Jail for attempted homicide.

On July 24, 2011, Jesse Perez died from his injuries incurred on July 13, 2011. On July 25, 2011, detectives added the charge of homicide to Kenneth Vega's arrest.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.