Photo: Stock Image
Salinas, CA – August 30, 2023 – A quiet morning on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the 500 block of Stevenson Street was shattered when Salinas Police Officers responded to a distressing call about a possible homicide. The incident, which unfolded at approximately 8:30 am, left the community in shock and mourning.
The initial call that brought officers rushing to the scene reported a man yelling that someone had been killed inside a residence. A second call followed, describing a man fleeing from the same house and being pursued by a concerned citizen. Responding officers immediately converged on the area, focusing on both aiding the victim and apprehending the suspect.
Upon entering the residence, officers made a grim discovery. They found an adult female victim, just 28 years old, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. Swiftly, officers and medical personnel initiated life-saving measures before rushing her to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite their best efforts, the victim succumbed to her injuries.
As law enforcement presence intensified in the area, Salinas Police Officers and Detectives initiated a thorough search for the suspect. Their efforts led to the apprehension of Edgar Zaragoza, 25, who was located near Boronda Road and Fontes Lane, approximately a mile and a half from the crime scene. Zaragoza matched the description provided by witnesses and was subsequently detained.
Further investigation revealed a deeply unsettling connection between Zaragoza and the victim. They were discovered to be in a dating relationship and shared the same residence where the tragic event occurred. Zaragoza was promptly transported to the Monterey County Jail, where he is currently held in connection with the homicide.
While an arrest has been made in this heart-wrenching case, it is important to emphasize that this is an ongoing investigation. The Salinas Police Department is actively seeking any additional information that might shed light on the circumstances leading to this senseless act of violence.
Detective Robbie Miller is leading the investigation and can be reached at 831-758-7954. For those who wish to remain anonymous, the Salinas Police Department offers an anonymous tip line at 831-775-4222. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be vital in uncovering the truth behind this tragic incident and bringing closure to the victim’s grieving family and the community at large.
