On the night of July 3, 2024, at approximately 11:05 p.m., Salinas Police Department received multiple reports of gunfire and a man screaming on North Pearl Street in East Salinas. Upon arrival, officers found 33-year-old Michael Frank Filomeno Cruz lying unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, Cruz was pronounced dead at Natividad Medical Center.
The investigation revealed that Cruz had been confronted, robbed, and then shot multiple times by four suspects. Based on evidence gathered, the Salinas Police Department's SWAT team executed a search warrant on North Pearl Street the following morning. This operation led to the arrest of two 16-year-old juveniles. Further investigative efforts resulted in the apprehension of two additional juvenile suspects by July 9, 2024. All four juveniles were charged with murder, robbery, conspiracy, and gang enhancements, and were booked into Monterey County Juvenile Hall.
This incident marked the third homicide in Salinas for the year 2024. The swift arrests were attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Salinas Police Department and the Monterey County Probation Department. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspects due to their juvenile status. The community was urged to provide any additional information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
