Three arrested in deadly shooting at Del Monte Beach
Police believe the killing of Abraham Lizama, 39, of Soledad was gang related. The Monterey Police Department said the arrest and the increased patrols is sending a message to keep gangs out.
Lisa Baron is a resident of Monterey and was happy to hear of the arrests.
“It makes me feel excellent because we don’t like to have murders in our neighborhood. And the gang activity seems to be creeping closer and closer. Salinas, seaside, Monterey it seems to be everywhere,” Baron said.
According to Monterey police, Baron is right.
Lt. Jeff Jackson said investigators arrested three people just a week after the homicide in the beach parking lot. Victor Ramos, 22, Esmeralda Garcia, 19 and a 17 year old are all from Salinas.
Ramos is accused of pulling the trigger, killing Lizama. The other two are charged as accessories. All 3 suspects have gang enhancements added to their charges.
“We are taking this crime very seriously, and you know when some very serious crime happens like this in Monterey, we will, like I said, dedicate our resources to hold those accountable who commit such serious crimes,” said Lt. Jackson.
Monterey police stepped up patrols at Del Monte Beach around the clock.
Just Sunday night, police patrolled Del Monte Beach and arrested a guy carrying a gun.
Baron has lived in the area for years and said she walks her dog along Del Monte Beach daily. So for her, hearing that the murder suspects have been arrested is a relief.
” It is nice to know that things are happening quickly and that they resolve and that the police presence is very comforting,” said Baron.
Jackson said the arrests were only made possible by teamwork. Monterey detectives worked with the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics team, Salinas Police Department, California Highway Patrol and the sheriff’s office.
Both Ramos and Garcia are expected to be arraigned Wednesday, March 25. The department met with the Del Monte Beach Neighborhood Association Tuesday night to discuss safety in the area.
