Salinas Man Arrested for Pastor’s Murder

SALINAS — Police have arrested 37-year-old Servando Ayala Silva for the murder of 68-year-old Herbert Valero on Tuesday evening after the two met at Valero’s home for prayer. Silva is now housed at Monterey County Jail, charged in the death of the longtime pastor of the Victory Outreach Church.

That evening, Silva went to Pastor Valero’s home and asked to talk with him about a problem he was having. The pastor told his family they’d be outside, and a short while later came running back inside clutching his neck and saying Silva had stabbed him.

Valero’s family immediately called 911 and Silva fled. The motive for the stabbing is still unknown.

Silva’s whereabouts were quickly ascertained and officers made contact with his family, none of whom were harmed and were told to contact with police if he returned. At around 9:45 PM, the call came.

Officers arrived and took him into custody without incident.

He was transported to the Monterey County Jail and is charged with the city’s 10th homicide of the year.