Salinas residents rally to stop violence after double murders on Mother’s Day

Two young men murdered on Mother’s Day in Salinas has the community outraged. On Monday, a small group of residents rallied on North Main Street urging the violence to stop.

“When they take a life of somebody, it affects the whole family. It affects everybody in every way,” said Debbie Sorto.

Sorto’s grandson, Paul Morales Jr., was 25 years old when he was shot outside his apartment last year. She said the community needs to wake-up.

“That’s what I don’t understand. When Salinas police had the police officers that murdered somebody, I mean there were people in the streets rioting, screaming and everything,” said Sorto.

But after two young men from East Salinas were killed Sunday in two separate shootings, less than 15 people showed up to the rally.

“I can’t say it enough, Mother’s Day? That’s evil, that’s cruel, and that’s dark,” said Debbie Aguilar.

Aguilar, a community activist, said everyone who lives in Salinas should be part of the solution. Even after 13 homicides in the city this year, some residents are still scared to speak up about gang violence.

“We’re talking among each other. What are we going to do? What are we going to do?” said Aguilar. “Let’s really put our words into action. It’s for my children’s children, and your children’s children.”

Sorto hopes it doesn’t take an unforgettable trauma like hers to get people to understand.

“Now when I hear sirens and the ambulance, I break out, it brings it all back that night to me,” said Sorto.