Salinas murder victims advocate reacts to ‘murder squad’ indictments

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A murder victims advocate in Salinas says there is hope for the families after officials in Monterey County announced they made indictments against members of a so-called "murder squad" in Salinas.

Debbie Aguilar became a victims' advocate after losing her son and nephew to gun violence years ago. She lost her son almost 18 years ago in Salinas in 2002. Her son, Stephen Joseph Aguilar, just turned 18 and was getting snacks at a 7/11 on a Friday night.

A vehicle with unknown passengers opened fire, killing him. The culprits are still at large. While Aguilar hasn't seen justice yet for her own family, she is thankful justice is here for others.

"I know what it's like to feel that you don't know who did this and wait for that phone call that somebody, the police will say we're not sure yet, but we may have something. Even if it has to be a hush, we all wait for those calls, I know because I'm living it, I've lived it," said Aguilar, a Salinas resident.

Since her son's murder, Aguilar has become an advocate for families who face the same thing she's faced.

Authorities say the victims of the "murder squad" announced Thursday were mistakenly identified as rival gang members. For the families, it could be a day they have been waiting for.

"I'm sure what they're feeling is wow, maybe the pain is lessening a little bit today. It's going to get better, and I'm sure it is, they're feeling hopeful, encouraged and sad. Because when you get to the courtroom, it's a whole new ball game," said Aguilar.

The victims- Jose Luis Flores-Vargas, Alejandro Ramirez, John Rodzach, Fidencio Vega, Rutilio Vega, Gabriel Rangel, Javier Santos and Felix Francisco- may see some justice now.

And perhaps that will provide some closure for those they left behind, even if the wounds never fully heal.

"I used to have a lot of anger, very hyper, very unrested. My spirit was so unrested before, but I want those families to know, all the families of the community, who lost their loved ones to homicide, let's keep our hope up and keep our faith up in just knowing that justice doesn't always fail us," said Aguilar.

Authorities say their work couldn't have been done without the partnerships they all have across local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.