Tragic Night in Salinas: Two Killed, One Injured in Late-Night Shooting on Cross Avenue
SALINAS, Calif. —A somber atmosphere hangs over the Salinas community following a deadly shooting late Friday night that claimed the lives of two young individuals and left a third injured. According to the Salinas Police Department, officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation around 11:00 p.m. in the 300 block of Cross Avenue, where they discovered three gunshot victims upon arrival.
Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deceased as 20-year-old Jesus Guido Rosales, a resident of Salinas, and a 17-year-old male juvenile, also from Salinas. Authorities have not released the juvenile’s name, citing policy regarding minors.
The third victim, another 17-year-old male, survived the incident and was transported to a nearby hospital. Police report that he is currently in stable condition, though no additional information has been released regarding his identity or current medical status.
Community Shocked by Rising Violence
The fatal shooting marks yet another grim chapter in Salinas’ ongoing struggle with gun violence, particularly among youth. Residents in the neighborhood reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by the arrival of police and emergency responders. As investigators worked through the night, police cordoned off the area, interviewing potential witnesses and collecting evidence.
Local resident Ana Morales, who lives two blocks away from the scene, said she was awakened by the sound of sirens. “It’s heartbreaking. These are kids, and this violence just keeps happening. We’re scared, and we want answers.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and no suspects have been identified or taken into custody at this time. The Salinas Police Department is treating the incident as an active homicide investigation, and detectives are urging the public to come forward with any information that might assist in solving the case.
A Call for Information
The department is asking for the community’s help as they work to piece together the events that led to Friday’s tragedy. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have surveillance footage from the area is encouraged to reach out to Detective Robert Miller at robertm@ci.salinas.ca.us or call the non-emergency line at (831) 758-7321.
“Every bit of information counts,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We’re committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families, and that means we need the community’s cooperation now more than ever.”
A Pattern of Youth Violence
This incident adds to growing concerns over youth involvement in violent crime in Salinas and surrounding areas. Community leaders and local officials have repeatedly called for increased outreach programs, mental health support, and violence prevention strategies to combat what some are calling a public health crisis.
“This isn’t just a policing issue—it’s a community issue,” said Maria Lopez, a youth advocate with the Salinas Violence Prevention Initiative. “We’re losing too many young lives to senseless violence, and unless we take a holistic approach, it’s only going to get worse.”
Looking Ahead
As families of the victims begin the grieving process, the Salinas Police Department continues its investigation, promising to keep the public informed as more details become available.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Salinas officials are also reminding the public that anonymous tips can be submitted through the Salinas Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line or through Monterey County Crime Stoppers.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for community engagement, conflict resolution, and intervention programs to ensure that Salinas’ youth have a safer, more hopeful future.
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