Deadly Weekend in Salinas | News

By Brooke Holmquist - email

SALINAS, Calif.- A deadly weekend in Salinas leaves one dead and two people clinging to life.

The first incident happened Saturday night on Hoover St.

Salinas police officers responded to the 18700 blk of Hoover St. for reports of a shooting with a victim shot multiple times. When officers arrived they found 25 year-old Jaime Zamora, a documented gang member, had several gunshots to his upper body. Officers administered CPR until medical personnel arrived and transported Zamora to a local hospital. Zamora was pronounced dead a short time later.

Detectives learned there was a small get together at the residence with several people in the backyard drinking and listening to music. Police think two suspects gained access to the backyard of a vacant house in the 18600 blk of Eisenhower St. The house was directly to the rear of the house holding the party. From the backyard of the vacant house, the suspects opened fire into the small crowd of partygoers, striking Zamora. The suspects fled onto Eisenhower St. to a waiting vehicle.

A female in her 20's was also struck in the leg, she was transported to a local hospital and later released. There is no indication any words were said prior to the shooting.

Although there were several people attending the party, when officers initially arrived there were only three people who stayed to assist the victim.

This is Salinas' 12th homicide of the year and is being investigated as gang related.

The second incident happened early Sunday morning at about 3:40 a.m. officers responded to calls of gunshots, people screaming, and cars speeding off in the area of Cromwell and Churchill.  Officers found a 24 year old man shot several times on the 1900 block of Cabernet Way.

Police said a large number of the victim's friends were loud and unruly and had come from a party nearby, preventing the officers from getting to the victim.

Officers on scene followed a blood trail from the house back to the area of Cromwell and Churchill where they located the crime scene. The vicitm was shot shortly after leaving the party. Police said the victim underwent surgery for his wounds and is in stable condition.  Officers believe the shooting was gang motivated.

Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, or has information regarding this incident is asked to call the Investigations Division at (831) 758-7226; or Detective Jim Knowlton at (831) 758-7442. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 831-775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78-CRIME, or text information to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".