Police Seek More Information on Deadly Stabbing

Escondido detectives urge anyone with information about the murder of Fernando Arellano to come forward

Escondido police are asking for the public’s help in gathering more tips and information about a deadly stabbing that occurred on the 800 block of North Fig Street on Saturday.

At around 4:30 a.m., a 41-year-old man named Christopher Selenak – who also goes by the last name “Selena” – entered his ex-wife’s home and allegedly stabbed her 23-year-old boyfriend Fernando Arellano in the torso.

Arellano died at the scene.

Selenak fled, but was arrested by police in Vista later that morning.

He is now facing a murder charge.

On Wednesday, detectives urged anyone with information on Arellano's murder to come forward immediately.

Detectives said they have been interviewing people since Saturday, but feel there may be additional people who have not yet come forward who might be able to provide valuable information on this case.

Authorities have set up an anonymous tip line for people to submit information, but the problem is tipsters aren’t leaving very detailed messages.

If anyone is willing to speak to a detective directly, they’re asked to call Detective John Myers at (760) 839-4782 or email him at jmyers@escondido.org.

On Wednesday afternoon, NBC 7 San Diego went to the Escondido neighborhood where this murder took place and learned that Escondido’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration could be part of the reason why neighbors aren’t coming forward with potentially crucial information.

“You know, [some people may be] afraid that if they call the police, they're in turn going to call the INS on them, or their neighbors. So why be discovered if they don't have any papers? So just keep quiet,” said Escondido resident Jaime Torres.

“They’d rather just mind their own business, you know?” added Escondido resident Oscar Borja.

”Some people don't want to talk, you know? It's, they just want to watch out for their behinds and all that. It's because right here, this street is kind of dangerous, you know? explained Jason Rios, who grew up with the murder victim.

Again, police believe neighbors and friends have crucial information authorities need to get a conviction for Selenak, so anyone with tips is urged to contact investigators.

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