Santa Cruz Man Shot Dead Outside of Bar
SANTA CRUZ—32-year-old Santa Cruz resident Pauly Silva was shot dead in front of the Red Room Bar on Locust Street near Cedar Street. Santa Cruz Police have arrested three people of interest in this case.
Pauly Silva
Although there were several witnesses, none were able to make a positive identification of the shooter. They were only able to give a description of the vehicle as a green or grey 1990’s model Mercedes.
Santa Cruz Police initiated “Project R.O.P.E.” and all surrounding Law Enforcement agencies began to monitor possible travel or escape route in Santa Cruz County area. A vehicle matching the witnesses’ description was stopped by Watsonville Police near Green Valley Road.
The occupants were detained and transported back to the Santa Cruz Police Department and were questioned about their possible involvement. Both were known gang members and were detained on separate charges.
Detectives are investigating if they had any involvement. The two were arrested for resisting arrest, probation violation and also felons in possession of ammunition. As a result their investigation police have also arrested a third person of interest in this crime.
The Santa Cruz Police are not releasing any of the names of the suspects as they are still investigating any role they may have played in this homicide.
“They individuals that were stopped, have not been charged with this homicide, as of yet,” Deputy Police Chief Steve Clark said. “Our Investigator are still working on whether they had any involvement in this case.”
Back in January, the victim’s twin brother was himself a victim of an attempted drive-by shooting on Laurel Street near Santa Cruz High School. He was located in a nearby apartment complex and was uninjured in the shooting. In addition, he was uncooperative with police and they did not give them any information.
At the time of the incident, Santa Cruz Police Officer Steve Pendleton spotted the get-away vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta, and followed the vehicle until other officer arrived. The vehicle was eventually stopped at Center Street in Santa Cruz.
Glock Model 17
The driver, Jonah Namauu, 20, of Santa Cruz was arrested and his car was impounded. Police found a Glock, model 17, handgun and an expended bullet casing inside the vehicle. Namauu was arrested for numerous charges including: discharging a firearm in a school zone, possessing a firearm in a school zone, discharging a firearm from a vehicle and possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
“One predominate theory that we are working on is that this a case of mistaken identity,” added Deputy Chief Clark, “but we are looking into every possibility and lead in this case, and I am very pleased with the progress that the investigators are making and I am positive this case will be solved.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit at 1-831-420-5815. Anonymous tips can be left on our tip line.
Photo courtesy: Facebook
Read More:
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Witnesses Hold Key to Pauly Silva Murder Investigation
San Jose Mercury News: Pauly Silva, Victim of Fatal Downtown Santa Cruz Shooting, Was Local Marital Arts Enthusiast
