Police have arrested a second man in connection with a fatal
gang shooting in Watsonville’s Apple Hill community in March.
By Jennifer Squires
Police have arrested a second man in connection with a fatal gang shooting in Watsonville’s Apple Hill community in March.
A judge signed a $1 million arrest warrant for Jose Sandoval, 26, Wednesday. He was taken into custody around 5 p.m. Thursday as he left his Salinas home, police reported.
Last month, Julian Escobar, 24, was arrested and charged in the slaying, which claimed the life of 19-year-old Angel Escobedo of Hollister.
“We’re really happy that we were able to get both in custody,” Sgt. Saul Gonzalez of Watsonville police said. “It was big for us.”
According to police, Escobar and Sandoval are members of the same Salinas gang. They came to Watsonville to exact revenge for a prior incident, which police have declined to discuss other than to say the alleged gang members were not seeking out Escobedo in particular. The teen, a Cuesta College student, was not involved in gangs, police have said.
The deadly shooting happened on a public basketball court. Escobar and Sandoval approached Escobedo and four of his friends and asked what gang they claimed. One pulled a .38-caliber revolver and opened fire, according to police. Escobedo was hit several times and died. His friends escaped injury.
Gonzalez said police have been in contact with Escobedo’s family.
“It’s been a long process for them … but they’re happy two people are in custody,” he said.
Although investigators have not said which of the suspected
gang members they believe was the gunman, in court earlier this month Escobar was charged with personal use of a firearm along with murder, attempted murder and gang charges.
A tip and photo lineups conducted with witnesses helped them identify Escobar as a suspect in the slaying. Gonzalez said similar methods led them to Sandoval, but did not elaborate.
Watsonville police, who were aided by agents from the county’s Anti-Crime Team and Salinas police officers, also searched Sandova’s Ranchero Drive home and seized items. Gonzalez declined to say what was taken and police have not said if the suspected murder weapon has been recovered.
Both suspects are being held in County Jail on $1 million bail each. Escobar is due back in court Feb. 18 and Sandoval should make a court appearance ne
