Salinas Police identify Sunday night homicide victim

According to Salinas Police, a man was shot multiple times outside a home on Paloma Avenue in East Salinas.

Salinas Police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Paloma Avenue around 11:55 p.m. Sunday. Officers arrived and found 20-year-old, Diego Espinoza suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Despite being given CPR, Espinoza died on scene. Salinas police have been processing evidence as they look for answers to the city’s 21st homicide.

Police said Espinoza had just arrived home when he was approached by at least two male suspects. For unknown reasons the suspects opened fire on the 20-year-old. They were last seen running onto Margaret Street.

“We’re just processing whatever evidence that we do have and collecting it. And basically do whatever we can do to put someone in jail. Not a lot of witnesses out at the time. A lot of people heard the shots but not a lot of people saw anything,” said Salinas Sergeant Chris Lane. The department said the killing is being investigated as gang-related. If you have information you’re asked to call the Salinas Police Department at 831-758-7129.