Juvenile Suspect Arrested for Murder of 18-Year-Old Adrian Puga in Monterey County
MONTEREY, CA — “Sheriff Tina Nieto held a press conference today to announce that a 17-year-old juvenile from Sacramento has been arrested for the murder of 18-year-old Adrian Puga of Salinas. Sheriff Nieto made the announcement before members of Adrian Puga’s family and members of the media that were present.
At about 10:25 PM on Sat. 11/09/2024, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and CHP received multiple calls from the area of Prunedale Road South and Blackie Road for a report of a person that had been shot during a vehicle sideshow. Upon arrival, MCSO Deputies and CHP Officers located a single victim who had sustained gunshot injuries. The victim, identified as 18-year-old Adrian Puga of Salinas, was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he later died of his injuries.
Sheriff Nieto stated that Monterey County Sheriff detectives immediately began investigating this incident. Numerous tips, including videos were provided by members of the community. Detectives were able to determine that it involved several persons of interest in the Sacramento area. Over 20 search warrants were served, to include some at locations in the Sacramento area. These search warrants led to the identity of the person responsible for Adrian Puga’s death.
On 03/12 at about 2:30 PM, the Sacramento PD’s SWAT team assisted in arresting a 17-year-old male suspect. That juvenile has been extradited to Monterey County and has been booked into Juvenile Hall for one count of 187 PC, Murder.
Sheriff Nieto thanked Sheriff Jim Cooper and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Kathy Lester and the Sacramento PD, Chief Rick Hillman and the Folsom PD, Chief Robert Davis and the Elk Grove PD, Chief Probation Officer Jose Ramirez and the Monterey County Juvenile Probation Department as well as DA Jeannine Pacioni and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance throughout this investigation.”
