Relatives of Jasmine Miranda are raising money for funeral expenses as a murder case moves forward in Orange County.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The family of 38-year-old Jasmine Miranda is remembering the Anaheim mother of three for her humor, kindness and devotion to her children after she was found dead inside a motel room earlier this month.
Miranda was discovered Aug. 18 at the Kona Motel on North Brookhurst Street after authorities were called for a welfare check. Anaheim police said officers found her suffering from apparent trauma and pronounced her dead at the scene. Her boyfriend, Oscar Velasquez, was arrested the next day in Santa Ana and has since been charged with murder.
As investigators and prosecutors pursue the criminal case, Miranda’s relatives have turned their attention to mourning her and preparing for her funeral. Family members held a food fundraiser in Anaheim on Sunday, and an online campaign was created to help cover funeral and burial expenses.
The online fundraiser, organized by Cinthya Miranda, describes Jasmine Miranda as a caring and selfless woman who could make people laugh even during difficult times. Her family said her three children were at the center of her life and that her death has left them facing both grief and unexpected expenses.
Miranda’s family began speaking publicly about her death nearly two weeks after she was found. The family’s remembrance has shifted some attention away from the circumstances of the motel investigation and toward the life Miranda’s relatives say they want people to remember.
Police said officers were dispatched to the motel at about 12:51 p.m. Aug. 18. Separate reporting from the scene indicated motel staff became concerned after Miranda did not check out as expected. Authorities have not publicly released a full account of what happened inside the room before she was found.
Detectives said witness interviews and surveillance video helped them identify Velasquez as a suspect. Investigators also used license plate reader technology through the Anaheim Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center to identify a vehicle and locate him. Police said Velasquez was arrested without incident in Santa Ana at about 7 p.m. Aug. 19.
Prosecutors later charged Velasquez with murder and other felony counts, according to court reporting. He also faces an allegation that a knife was used in Miranda’s killing. The allegations have not been proven in court, and authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive.
The criminal case remains separate from the family’s effort to honor Miranda. Relatives have described her as someone who offered love and support to others and whose children were her highest priority. Their fundraising efforts are intended to help pay for funeral and burial costs while the family prepares to lay her to rest.
Anaheim police have said the homicide investigation remains active. Authorities have continued to seek information from anyone who may know more about the events surrounding Miranda’s death, while the outcome of the charges against Velasquez remains for the courts to determine.
Author note: Last updated August 31, 2026.