Salinas farmworker shot in March dies

UPDATE 4/6/17 2:45PM: A man shot on Dennis Avenue in Salinas on March 25 has died, according to the Salinas Police Department.

He was identified as 33-year-old Rutilio Salvador Vega.

On the night of the shooting, police said Vega was with his cousin in the driveway of a home. Both were shot multiple times. Vega was taken to a hospital but his cousin died on scene.

Both victims were farmworkers from Salinas.

Vega’s death marks the city’s 15th homicide of the year.

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A violent weekend in the City of Salinas. The police department is investigating two homicides, one Saturday night, the other on Sunday.

That brings the total number of Salinas homicides to 14 so far this year. Four of which happened since Thursday.

“It’s got the investigations unit fairly well taxed considering that we’ve had 14 homicides in as many weeks this year” said Commander Stanley Cooper with the Salinas Police Department.

On Saturday, two cousins were shot on the 200 block of Dennis Avenue. One was killed, the other critically wounded. He is now in stable condition according to police.

Police describe the men as farm workers who did not have gang contacts. Officers are investigating the attack as gang related.

Sunday night, the 14th and most recent homicide happened on the 500 block of Leslie Drive.

The 28 year old victim drove himself to Natividad Hospital before dying of his injuries.

These two homicides have brought the Salinas total to 14. Nearly double what the city saw this time last year.

Police say they encourage witnesses to come forward to help in their investigations.

“Anything we get, if people want us to remain confidential with it, we shall” Cooper said. “Every little bit of [testimony] helps”