Jose Medina, a 51-year-old man, was tragically killed on the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Dinuba, California. The incident, which also claimed the life of 39-year-old Irai Torres, unfolded around 5:10 p.m. in the driveway of a residence on the 12200 block of Brent Road. Both Medina and Torres were found with multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Dinuba Police Department received numerous 911 calls reporting the shooting.
The investigation quickly identified Miguel Angel Saldana Garcia, a 43-year-old man from Reedley, as the suspect. Authorities have described the killings as a "crime of passion," stating that Saldana is the ex-husband of Torres and that Medina was her new boyfriend. Investigators believe an argument preceded the fatal shooting, with the police chief suggesting Saldana "lost his temper." Saldana and Torres shared at least one child.
Following the shooting, Saldana fled the scene in a white truck and drove to his residence in Reedley, where he switched vehicles. A surveillance team tracked him as he drove back to Dinuba. He was arrested without incident right outside the Dinuba Police Department. Newly released body camera footage shows a calm and compliant Saldana during his arrest. Police believe they have recovered the weapon used in the commission of the crime.
Saldana has been charged with two counts of murder with special allegations for multiple murders, discharging a firearm, planning the crime, and violent conduct. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his court appearance and is being held without bail. The family of Jose Medina, who was described as a loving father, has set up a donation page to help support his two sons who were his "pride and joy."
