Oakland man facing 27-year sentence for a Salinas shooting

An Oakland man is now facing prison time for a shooting in Salinas back in September.

The office of District Attorney Dean Flippo said that 39-year-old Rickey Paul Murray of Oakland was found guilty by a jury of 12 felony counts in connection with a September shooting in front of a Salinas motel.

Salinas police said they responded to the Continental Motel on North Main Street after several 911 callers reported gunshots being exchanged in the parking lot on Sept. 30.

Officers said surveillance video shows two men shooting at each other in front of the motel lobby. One of the men was identified as Murray, according to officers.

According to officers, Murray was staying at the motel and was seen on surveillance video running back to his room.

Police said they shouted his name and room number over a loudspeaker for 15 minutes but Murray refused to come out of his room.

When he finally surrendered, he was wearing a different shirt and his gun was missing, according to police.

During a search of the room, police said they found large amounts of drugs packed for individual sale.

A loaded gun was found, along with the shirt that Murray was wearing earlier.

Officers said Murray was not allowed to own any guns due to previous convictions for domestic violence, vandalism and battery on a correctional officer.

Murray now faces a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison.

Officials said Murray will be sentenced on March 21.