Two Arrested, One on the Loose, for Porterville Murder

PORTERVILLE – Two suspects were arrested for the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man on Sunday night, but a third suspect is still at large.

Frederico Mejia

Detectives with the Porterville Police Department arrested 29-year-old Federico “Freddie” Mejia and his girlfriend, 29-year-old Adriana Jaimez, both of Porterville, on suspicion of murdering Salvador Garcia.

A third unidentified suspect is still being sought. Detectives are developing leads to try to determine who he is and take him into custody.

The homicide happened late Sunday night. Garcia was sitting in a car in the parking lot of a Spirit convenience store at 699 S. Plano Street waiting for his friend who was inside the store. Mejia and the unidentified suspect approached the vehicle. Mejia immediately pulled out a gun and fired a shot at Garcia, hitting him in the chest, according to the police.

Adriana Jaimez

The two suspects fled the scene in a car driven by Jaimez and the victim was taken to Sierra View District Hospital by friends. Porterville officers were called to the hospital around 11:49 p.m. with regard to a victim brought in with a gunshot wound. By the time they arrived, Garcia had already died from his wounds.

Police have said there is no indication that the victim was involved in any gang activity, but have not released a motive for the shooting.