Two of the Suspects Were Juveniles
SALINAS—Detectives with the Salinas Police Department have made three arrests in the shooting homicide of the 17-year-old Salinas resident Cesar Gonzalez. Authorities arrested 18-year-old Jose Guadalupe Diaz and two juveniles for their part in the homicide.
On Tuesday, January 13, the Salinas Police responded to a shooting that occurred on East Market Street. When they arrived they found 17-year-old Cesar Gonzalez decreased from a gunshot wound.
Witnesses to the shooting told police that they saw a gray colored van stop in front of the house, and several shots were fired before it sped away. The van was last seen traveling westbound on Market Street then made a right turn, headed northbound on Carr Street.
Jose Guadalupe Diaz
Salinas Police believed that three suspects in dark clothing occupied the van. The homicide occurred during the peak traffic times so police believe that several people have seen the van stopped in the roadway.
After working for several days without any days off, Salinas Police Detectives, with the help of the Monterey County Probation Department, Agents from the State Parole Board and the Monterey County STING task force, arrested Diaz and two juveniles for the homicide.
All three suspects were thought to be directly involved in the shooting and were booked on murder with gang enhancements and street terrorism. Diaz was booked into the Monterey County Jail and the two juveniles were booked into the Monterey County Juvenile Hall.
All three suspects are involved in a criminal street gang, and police believe that they were driving through Salinas neighborhoods searching for rival gang members to shoot.
Police are still actively investigating this case and want to speak with anyone who may have information. The Salinas Police anonymous tip line is 831-775-4222, or WeTip line at 1-800-78 CRIME.
