Hollister Police Chief David Westrick not only believes there is a chance homicide suspect Jose Barajas has remained in the area, but he also thinks other people are helping him stay concealed.
“I think there’s a possibility he’s still in the area,” Westrick said. “The second point – I think there are people out there that are helping this suspect right now. I would ask those people that they look into their hearts and – if it was their daughter or son involved, and they were unable to contact them, or they lost their daughter, how would they feel?
Westrick was referring to anyone potentially aiding the suspect wanted for the Aug. 1 shooting homicide of 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas. Barajas, 20, is accused of shooting Zendejas near West and B streets while each were in separate cars with other residents, Westrick said.
The chief Thursday elaborated on details involved in the case and explained what occurred leading up to the shooting homicide.
He said related events started earlier that day when one of the residents of the vehicle in which Zendejas was shot got into a confrontation with Barajas at the suspect’s workplace. Slightly before 9 p.m. that night, Barajas’ dark sedan came across the same vehicle with the victim as a passenger and started to follow the group, Westrick said. At the intersection of B and West streets, police believe Barajas fired into the other car, hitting Zendejas.
“The victim was a passenger and she was struck by one of those shots,” said Westrick, declining to comment where she was hit. “The driver of that vehicle and the occupants immediately recognized that the victim was quite seriously injured. They began to drive as fast as they could to the hospital. While in route, they called 911.”
He said there were three or four people in the victim’s vehicle and none of the others were injured. He declined to confirm the number of people in the suspect’s car. Westrick said although police believe Barajas has gang ties, the incident was not likely related to gang activity.
“It’s another person trying to solve problems with a firearm,” the chief said.
In explaining how the department has received many tips, he said Barajas was last seen in Tres Pinos with Vanessa Flores – believed to still be with him – and another unconfirmed female while leaving in a mid-sized, silver or gray, Kia sport utility vehicle. That was a different car than the one involved in the shooting, he said.
As the investigation continues, Westrick encouraged residents to keep providing tips, but asked they do so immediately when coming across Barajas.
“It would help, though, if the people who do see him get on the phone and call 911 right then and there,” Westrick said.
As for Flores – whose family contended Tuesday she was kidnapped and not an accomplice – police have reason to believe she is being held against her will. A lack of contact with family members and a previously tumultuous relationship between Flores and Barajas leaves investigators suspecting a kidnapping.
“I know she’s close with her family. They’ve had no contact with her,” Westrick said. “I have to go with what the family feels because they know her best.”
