Cynthia Medina, 37, of Castroville, California, was shot and killed on the evening of July 20, 2017, on Merritt Street following an argument with another woman. Deputies responded after a 911 call about a heated argument and a subsequent call reporting gunshots; they found Medina unconscious and without a pulse and she was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts.

Investigators identified 28-year-old Melissa Lillian Paniagua of Castroville as the primary suspect. Paniagua was arrested a few days later in Marina and was charged with murder and arraigned in Monterey County Superior Court, where she pleaded not guilty. Authorities sought to speak with Paniagua’s sister, Sylvia Navarro, who was believed to have information but was not considered a suspect. The murder weapon had not been recovered and Paniagua was described as armed and potentially dangerous, though not a general threat to the public.

Anyone who witnessed the July 20 events on Merritt Street or has information that could help the investigation is asked to come forward.