On the night of September 7, 2024, deputies responding to multiple gunshots near the 3000 block of Lemon Grove Avenue found 21-year-old Spring Valley resident Diego Omar Valera-Trujillo with multiple gunshot wounds in the 3100 block of School Lane. He was transported to a local hospital by Heartland Fire Department but died of his injuries. Another person was also wounded in the shooting.

Investigators identified 27-year-old Joshua Gonzalez of Lemon Grove as the primary suspect. Gonzalez was arrested on September 9, 2024, near his Lincoln Avenue residence and charged with murder; the court denied bail at arraignment after prosecutors said he had driven to Mexico hours after the shooting, returned, rented a U-Haul, and began moving out before his arrest.

Family members at the scene said the confrontation began when a distressed woman ran into a skate park seeking help after an alleged assault. Witnesses say the group intervened to separate her from Gonzalez; Gonzalez left but returned minutes later and opened fire, striking Valera-Trujillo. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone knew Diego, witnessed the shooting, or has information, contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.