There were so many rumors going around town and on social media – regarding the Ariana Zendejas murder case – that the police department felt the need to clarify the situation Tuesday.
At a press conference Tuesday, Police Chief David Westrick and other police officials clarified that Hollister’s Jose Barajas, the 20-year-old suspect wanted in the Zendejas murder Aug. 1, is not in custody. While police continue looking for the suspect, they also confirmed there is no further, definitive information on the status of Vanessa Flores, the 19-year-old last seen with Barajas after the shooting.
Police described an investigation in which they continue getting many tips – the city has offered a $25,000 reward in the case and State Sen. Anthony Cannella is seeking more state funds for the reward – while saying Barajas may be close to home or in other states or countries, police said Tuesday.
Westrick sent a warning to anyone who might be helping Barajas stay concealed.
“If you’re helping him in any way, you can be charged with a crime. If we can prove it, you will be charged with a crime,” Westrick said.
Police have been looking for Barjas as the primary suspect in the shooting that killed Zendejas. Police believe Barajas fired from one vehicle into another, which included Zendejas as a passenger, at B and West streets the night of Aug. 1. Investigators allege it was in retaliation for a confrontation earlier that day between the suspect and another male. Investigators previously reported they believed Barajas was holding another female, Flores, against her will as well.
Westrick said Flores’ family is “torn up” over her disappearance, while the chief had the lead investigator, Winn, along with Capt. Carlos Reynoso, on hand to answer questions as well. Winn said none of the family members had received any communications from Flores.
“If she wants a different statement out there, she can let us know, if she can,” Winn said.
Added Westrick: “We have to make an assumption that she’s in danger and she’s being held against her will.”
