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PRESS RELEASE

Release Date: July 10, 2024

Arrests Made in N. Pearl St. Homicide

Salinas, CA – The victim from Wednesday night's homicide on N. Pearl Street was previously identified as 33-year-old Michael Frank Filomeno Cruz. This investigation led detectives to believe there were four suspects involved in confronting the victim who was robbed and then shot multiple times. As of Tuesday, July 9th at approximately 3:00 pm all four juvenile suspects were identified, located and arrested. The four suspects are all in custody at Monterey County Juvenile Hall on charges of murder, robbery, and conspiracy, along with gang enhancements. The Salinas Police Department would like to thank the Monterey County Probation Department for their assistance in this investigation.

Original Release:

On July 3rd at approximately 11:05 pm, Salinas Police Department received a ShotSpotter activation of multiple rounds in front of a residence on N. Pearl Street. Multiple callers reported hearing gunshots and a male screaming. They then reported seeing a male on the ground. Officers responded and located 33-year-old Michael Frank Filomeno Cruz and attempted lifesaving efforts. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS continued lifesaving efforts and transported him to NMC. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Officers located multiple casings at the scene. Witnesses described the suspect as possibly a Hispanic male, wearing dark clothing last seen running north on N. Pearl Street.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, the SWAT team served a search warrant this morning at a residence on N. Pearl Street.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222.

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