Carlos Edwardo Valdez, a 28-year-old Hispanic man from Humble, Texas, died on June 6, 2019. His death is described as part of a broader pattern of gang-related violence involving the Northwest criminal street gang and rival West Park members.

Valdez had been involved in a 2008 Santa Maria, California, shooting in which Northwest members fired at an occupied vehicle and Jorge Zirate of the West Park gang was fatally shot. Valdez was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted second-degree robbery; the court found a firearm was discharged causing death and that the crimes were committed to benefit a criminal street gang. Two Northwest associates, Ernesto Ruiz and Orlando Diaz, later cooperated with prosecutors and testified against Valdez and another defendant, Issac Garza. Valdez’s conviction was upheld on appeal and he was sentenced to life without parole.

Are there witnesses, neighbors, or others with information about the 2008 incident or the individuals named who can help clarify what happened?