Authorities say the 38-year-old suspect fled before deputies arrived, leaving a 43-year-old woman hospitalized in critical condition.
POWAY, Calif. — San Diego County authorities are searching for a 38-year-old man wanted on an attempted murder warrant after investigators say he forced his way into a Poway home and attacked a woman who was later hospitalized in critical condition.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Jeronimo Cedillo. Investigators say Cedillo is wanted in connection with the Aug. 11 attack on 43-year-old Azucena Gonzalez Martinez at a residence in the 14100 block of Brighton Avenue. Authorities said Cedillo and Gonzalez Martinez previously dated.
Deputies from the Poway Sheriff’s Station were called to the home shortly before 3 a.m. after receiving a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. A person who reported the incident told authorities that Cedillo had forced his way into the residence and attacked Gonzalez Martinez with a deadly weapon, according to investigators.
Deputies entered the home and found Gonzalez Martinez suffering from traumatic injuries. Paramedics transported her to a local hospital for treatment. In an update released Aug. 20, authorities said she remained in critical condition. Officials have not publicly released additional details about the nature of her injuries.
Investigators said Cedillo left the area before deputies arrived. An active felony warrant has since been issued for him on suspicion of attempted murder and other offenses. The Sheriff’s Office has not announced an arrest, and the allegations against Cedillo have not been proven in court.
The Sheriff’s Office initially described the case as an assault with a deadly weapon and said the circumstances and motive were still being investigated. Authorities also said information gathered early in the investigation suggested the attack was an isolated incident. The later release identifying Cedillo did not announce a suspected motive.
Detectives said Cedillo is known to spend time in the San Diego area, Los Angeles County and Mexico. Investigators said he may have fled to Mexico, but authorities have not publicly confirmed his current location.
Cedillo, who also uses the spelling Geronimo Cedillo, is described by authorities as Hispanic, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. The Sheriff’s Office released information about him as investigators sought assistance locating him.
San Diego County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Authorities asked anyone with information about Cedillo’s whereabouts to contact Sheriff’s Homicide Detective Eric Garcia at 858-285-6330. Anonymous information may be provided to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
The investigation remains active, and Cedillo remained sought by authorities as of the latest public update. The Sheriff’s Office has not announced additional arrests or released further information about Gonzalez Martinez’s condition.
Author note: Last updated August 22, 2026.