Release Date/Time:\ 2/7/2022 9:45 AM
Incident: UPDATE: Homicide Investigation
Date:\ Saturday, 2/5/2022
Time:\ 8:20 PM
Location: Towt St. at Grandhaven St.

The family notifications have been completed and the victims have been identified as Jesus Arias Villa (22) and Karina Chavez Vargas (23). The investigation revealed that both victims were seated in a vehicle parked on the 300 block of Towt St. across from Closter Park when two subjects approached on foot and shot the victims multiple times. The suspects then fled eastbound on Grandhaven St. in a light-colored sedan.

Anyone who may have witnessed or have information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective John Richardson at 831-758-7478. If you wish to remain anonymous you may also call the Salinas Police Department anonymous tip line at 831-775-4222.

Original Press Release:

On Saturday, February 5, 2022, at approximately 8:20 pm Salinas Police Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert of shots fired near the intersection of Towt St. and Grandhaven St. On arrival officers located an adult male victim and an adult female victim both suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers and Salinas Fire Personnel attempted life saving measures on the victims however both victims succumbed to their injuries.  The identities of the victims are being withheld at this time pending notification of family members.

Release Authorized by: Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: 758-7289