Teen, 14, shot dead Wednesday night in Saticoy Park

A 14-year-old boy was shot to death Wednesday night at Saticoy Park near Ventura, Ventura County sheriff's officials said Thursday.

Deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the park at 11:15 p.m. and found the teen lying in a grassy area near a playground, Sgt. Jason Robarts said.

The victim, Joshua Burciaga, of Ventura, was declared dead at the scene.

The area was cordoned off with police tape Thursday morning. Investigators interviewed neighbors, seeking clues and a possible motive.

No one had been arrested. It was unknown whether the shooting was random or gang-related.

No one else was found in the park when deputies arrived late Wednesday, Robarts said.

The park off Violeta Street runs through the Saticoy neighborhood, an unincorporated area near Ventura. The park closes at 9 p.m., but it's not unusual for people to stay there later, Robarts said.

Part of the park was closed Thursday morning but reopened later.

Antonio Ricardez, 79, who lives next to the park, said he heard gunshots Wednesday night but went back to sleep.

Ricardez said he was surprised when he heard about the incident Thursday morning. He described the neighborhood as relatively safe.

Neighbor Juan Martinez, 54, said the area used to have more crime but that sheriff's vehicles now regularly patrol the neighborhood at night.

"Hopefully, it stays quiet after this," Martinez said.