SALINAS — 18-year-old Fabian Alvarado of Salinas learned that he will soon be arraigned for the city’s 13th murder of the year… while he was still sitting in jail because of a probation violation.
After a three-month investigation following a shooting on May 8th, Salinas police and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office have charged Alvarado with the death of 21-year-old Mario Puga.
Back in May, Puga was working on his vehicle when an unknown suspect approached and fired several shots. Puga suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by medical personnel.
It was unknown whether anything was said between the two prior to the shooting. Authorities believe the incident may be gang-related and are investigating it as such.
The suspect was described at the time as a Hispanic male adult wearing a light-colored sweatshirt with the hood pulled up. He was later seen fleeing westbound on Block Avenue towards Kip Drive.
While Alvarado is in custody, the case is still considered open and the investigation ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is strongly encouraged to contact Salinas Police at 1-831-758-7127.
