The Huntington Beach Police Department announced today the arrest of four individuals linked to the tragic murder of 29-year-old Rozalle Hellens, which occurred on September 15, 2024, in the city’s downtown area. The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has gripped the local community for months, following an extensive investigation by the HBPD’s Investigations Division, SWAT, and Crisis Negotiation Team.
According to the press release issued by the Huntington Beach Police Department, the four suspects were apprehended on May 14, 2025. The individuals arrested are:
• Arnaldo Malaca, 33, of Huntington Beach, charged with murder (PC 187(a)), conspiracy to commit murder (PC 182(a)(1)/182.5), criminal street gang activity (PC 186.22(a)), carrying a concealed firearm (PC 25400(a)(2)), and carrying a concealed firearm in public (PC 25350(a)).
• Michael Cardoso, 29, of Huntington Beach, charged with murder (PC 187(a)), conspiracy to commit murder (PC 182(a)(1)/182.5), criminal street gang activity (PC 186.22(a)), and accessory to murder (PC 32).
• Roberto Lopez, 25, of Huntington Beach, charged with murder (PC 187(a)), conspiracy to commit murder (PC 182(a)(1)/182.5), criminal street gang activity (PC 186.22(a)), and accessory to murder (PC 32).
• Jesus Torres-Martinez, 22, of Huntington Beach, charged with murder (PC 187(a)), conspiracy to commit murder (PC 182(a)(1)/182.5), criminal street gang activity (PC 186.22(a)), and accessory to murder (PC 32).
Each suspect’s bail has been set at $1,000,000, and they are scheduled to be arraigned on May 16, 2025. The press release emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details will be released at this time.
The murder of Rozalle Hellens sent shockwaves through Huntington Beach last fall. Initial reports from September 2024 indicated that Hellens was found deceased in the downtown area under suspicious circumstances, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. While details surrounding the motive and circumstances of her death have been closely guarded, sources familiar with the case previously suggested that the incident may have been linked to gang activity—a suspicion now supported by the charges listed in the press release.
The HBPD has been tight-lipped throughout the investigation, but today’s announcement reflects months of diligent work by law enforcement. “After conducting an extensive follow-up into the incident which occurred in the Huntington Beach downtown area, Detectives from the Investigations Division worked with SWAT and the Crisis Negotiation Team to arrest the following individuals,” the press release stated.
The Huntington Beach Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. They have provided contact information for Major Crimes Unit Detective Sergeant Anthony Pham at (714) 878-5640. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the OC Crime Stoppers hotline is available at (855) TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).
It is important to note that all four individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges listed are allegations, and the legal process will determine the outcome of this case. As the investigation continues, the Huntington Beach community remains hopeful for justice while mourning the loss of Rozalle Hellens, a young woman whose life was cut tragically short.