Four Suspects in Custody for Ambush Shooting – Killing One and Injuring Three
HAYWARD — Three women and one man arrested this month have been charged for murdering one woman and injuring three other persons. A confrontation between the suspects and victims in Oakland culminated in a shooting ambush in Hayward.
The tragedy occurred on December 5, 2020. Hayward patrol officers responded at 12:24 a.m. to the 25000 block of Eldridge Avenue. Four victims were found suffering from gunshot injuries.
One of the victims, Ashley Sandoval 19 of San Mateo, died at a hospital the following day. The three other victims recovered.
Investigators learned that two groups of individuals met at a social event on International Boulevard in Oakland. Apparently, there was a dispute concerning a romantic interest of Sandoval.
Both groups left Oakland and traveled to Hayward. Evidently, an ambush was organized with an exchange of text messages among suspects involved. The victims were shot while driving along
Eldridge Avenue.
A monthslong investigation followed. Hayward detectives collaborated with San Mateo police and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The inquiry resulted in five arrests, but one of the suspects was released and not charged.
On March 9, two suspects from Hayward were arrested, 19-year-old Jose M. Bedolla and 22- year-old Sonia Gonzalez. This was followed by the March 11 arrest of Taiz Vega-Mendoza, 21 of San Mateo. Julissa B. Aguilar-Yoc, 23 of San Carlos, was arrested on March 14.
In addition to murder, all four suspects face charges for shooting at an occupied vehicle, and numerous other firearm-related charges. They remain in custody at Santa Rita Jail, ineligible for release on bond, pending a plea hearing on April 11.
