Salinas Police arrest two brothers in connection to Holly Street homicide

The Salinas Police Department made two arrests in connection to a homicide on Holly Street.

The city’s 29th homicide took place on Monday, December 11 in the 700 block of Holly Street.

Officers arrived and found 29-year-old Hector Oswaldo Sandoval of Gonzales suffering from at least one gun shot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Salinas Police said, “After being shot, Sandoval was left in the middle of the street as the suspects drove away in his car.”

Investigators reported that the victim had been with two acquaintances, 28-year-old Gerardo Abel Cerna and his brother, Miguel Angel Cerna, 21.

“All three arrived in the area and for an unknown reason, Sandoval was shot in the head with a shotgun,” said Investigations Sgt. Christopher Lane.

Police said after the shooting, Sandoval was taken out of the car by one or both brothers and left in the middle of the street.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s SWAT team assisted police in the arrests Wednesday around 5 a.m. in the 300 block of E. Laurel Street and 1100 block of Green Street in Salinas.

Gerardo was booked into the Monterey County Jail for Murder, Carjacking, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of Ammunition.

Miguel Cerna was booked for Accessory after the Factor for Murder, Stolen Vehicle and Carrying a Loaded Firearm.