Erik Montes, a 27-year-old resident of Santa Ana, California, was found fatally shot in his SUV on July 5, 2018. The incident occurred early in the morning around 5:30 a.m. on the 3000 block of West 5th Street. Montes' vehicle was seen weaving across the road before it struck a woman on a bicycle. The woman, who was not seriously injured, reported seeing the vehicle "staggering" and initially thought the driver might be intoxicated.
However, upon investigation, police discovered that Montes had suffered a gunshot wound and was declared dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear, and it was not immediately known where or how Montes was shot. A bullet hole was found in one of the vehicle's windows, suggesting that the shooting might have occurred while he was driving. The Santa Ana Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, closing off the area between Susan and Fairview streets to search for evidence and potential witnesses.
Despite efforts to gather information, no suspects were immediately identified, and the investigation remained active. Authorities urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the case. The lack of clear leads and the mysterious nature of the shooting left the community and investigators searching for answers.
In the years following Montes' death, there have been no significant updates on arrests or suspects related to the case. The investigation into his murder continues to be a challenging one for law enforcement, as they work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting and bring justice to Montes and his family.
