Watsonville Police, FBI arrest fugitive Brandon Ruiz Martinez

The eighth and last fugitive wanted in the Watsonville shooting that killed a 4-year-old girl last year is now behind bars.

Watsonville Police worked with the FBI and Mexican authorities to arrest Brandon Ruiz Martinez in Mexico. Martinez was arrested on Tuesday night in Zinapecuero, a community northwest of Mexico City. He was deported to the U.S. Wednesday morning.

The shooting occurred on October 10, 2014, in the parking lot of the Valley Inn. The shooting killed 4-year-old Jaelyn Zavala, wounded an innocent man, and killed alleged rival gang member Ramon Rendon, 33.

“The taking of a life,” Watsonville Police Chief Manny Solano explained, “Especially a young life is the most tragic case our law enforcement personnel must investigate. We vigorously treat every murder case with the utmost respect and consideration, understanding the victims loved ones and the community, you, are counting in us to not only solve the case but bring every responsible party to justice. And that’s just what we did.

Six of the eight suspects were arrested shortly after the shooting. So far, two shooters (Marcos Robles and Michael Escobar), six co-conspirators, and one person who aided and abetted a suspect after the shooting have been arrested. But the investigation is far from over.

As for Jaelyn’s family, broken hearts are still trying to heal.

“I did make a courtesy call to then to notify them of this news,” Chief Solano said. “Of course every time the new developments happen it’s more trauma as well but again I hope this will be well-received by them to help assure them we are taking this very seriously.”

The family will have their day in court.

“The last two (Robles and Martinez) will probably wind up in a preliminary hearing together,” said Santa Cruz District Attorney Jeff Rosell. “And after they wind up in their preliminary hearing together, it’s likely they will be tried with the other six.”