Salinas man convicted of murdering Javier “Jumby” Mora Jr.
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Monterey County District Attorney's Office announced that Angel Odon Herrera has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison Tuesday for murdering 25-year-old Javier Mora Jr. outside Mora's home in July, 2022.
Mora, known as "Jumby" to friends and family, was shot several times after fighting with Herrera earlier that evening, according to the district attorney's office.
In 2023, Jumby was awarded a posthumous degree from Cal State Monterey Bay.
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE Jan. 19, 2022, at 5:14 p.m.- The Monterey County District attorney's office said the man accused of killing a 25-year-old in his home on Homestead Avenue in July would be held to answer all charges brought against him.
Angel Odon Herrera, 31, was in court Thursday briefly and is facing charges of murder, with a special enhancement for using a personal firearm. As well as first-degree residential burglary with a person inside the home, with a special enhancement for using a firearm, said the district attorney's office.
The family of the man Herrera allegedly murdered packed the Salinas courtroom. To bring justice for their son Javier "Jumby" Mora Jr., who the family called "The King."
They wore pins and shirts with Jumby's favorite colors on them. The pictures on the shirts were framed with the Raider logo shield, Jumby's favorite football team.
"My family and I are pleased that the case is moving forward. All we want is justice for my son," said Javier Mora Sr. "I want the city to know, the world to know, and everyone to know the cowardly way my son was taken from us. The cowardly reason and the cowardly way he took my son from us."
Angel Herrera will next be in court on March 16 in Salinas. Herrera previously pled not guilty to all charges against him.
Man accused of Homestead Avenue killing pleads not guilty
UPDATE JULY 25, 2022, at 3:24 p.m.- A man accused of murdering a 25-year-old in his home on Homestead Avenue on July 11 appeared in court Monday.
Angel Odon Herrera, 31, pleaded not guilty to a felony count of murder with special enhancements in the murder of Javier "Jumby" Mora Jr. He was appointed a public attorney.
When approached today after court, Mora's father said, "I just want justice. I want to make sure he never walks free."
Herrera's next court appearance is scheduled for August 9.
Man accused of Homestead Avenue killing charged with second-degree murder
UPDATE JULY 16, 2022, at 2:12 p.m.- The man accused of killing Javier Mora Jr. outside his family's home on Homestead Avenue Monday has been charged with second-degree murder, according to the Monterey County Inmate Log.
Murder suspect Angel Odon Herrera's bail is set at $2,070,000, and he had an arraignment hearing on Thursday, according to the Monterey County Court Portal.
Herrera is scheduled for further arraignment on Monday at the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey in Salinas.
The mug shot for Angel Herrera, the man accused of killing Javier “Jumby” Mora Jr. at his house on Homestead Avenue. Jumby’s father said at his son’s vigil Sunday “For anyone wondering, don’t worry. I beat the **** out of him.” pic.twitter.com/pwYlHCUPzV
— Ricardo Tovar (@rtovarg13) July 20, 2022
Salinas Police first said Mora's father detained the suspect. Family members disputed that, saying that both of Mora's parents fought the suspect.
Salinas Police has since changed their statement to read, "Family members who heard the shots rushed to where the shooting occurred and began struggling with the suspect until police arrived." According to family members, both parents sustained injuries after the fight with Herrera.
If you'd like to donate to help Mora's family cover funeral costs, click here.
Salinas family grieving son killed on Homestead Avenue
UPDATE JULY 14, 2022, at 8:21 p.m.- A Salinas family is hurting after their son was seemingly murdered for no reason during a shooting on Homestead Avenue Monday.
Javier Mora Jr., known as Jumby by friends, was in an argument with Angel Odon Herrera, 31, which eventually led to his death. Herrera shot Mora multiple times and killed him on the scene, according to police.
"Jumby was the sweetest soul, son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. He was on a bright path to adulthood as he was attending CSUMB with a goal of receiving his Bachelor's in Agricultural Sciences, following in his father's footsteps," said a GoFundMe set up by his family.
Mora was described as a "good egg" by neighbors. He was a hard-working young man who often took his two dogs for walks around the neighborhood and helped his parents with chores.
Mora leaves behind his father, mother, three younger sisters, and two dogs. If you'd like to donate to help his family cover funeral costs, click here.
Man arrested for murder on Homestead Avenue in Salinas
A 31-year-old suspect has been charged with murder and booked Tuesday after allegedly killing a 25-year-old man.
Angel Odon Herrera was arrested at a residence on the 300 block of Homestead Avenue after allegedly shooting Javier Mora Jr. multiple times at around 11 p.m. Monday. The family says the shooting occurred in the backyard.
Police received a call saying that Herrera was still on the property because he was fighting with the victim's father. They found Javier Mora Jr. with multiple gunshot wounds and declared him dead on the scene, according to police.
Police said there was an argument between the victim and Hererra before the shooting. This argument resulted in Herrera shooting and killing Javier Mora Jr.
The victim's father heard the gunshots, went to the shooting scene, and began fighting with Hererra until police arrived.
Hererra has been booked for one count of murder. His bail is set at $1,000,000, according to the Monterey County booking log.
Neighbors said they heard loud bangs late at night but assumed it was fireworks. They said the neighborhood is peaceful, so something like this is baffling.
The victim was described as a "good egg" by neighbors. He was a hard-working young man that took his two dogs for walks around the neighborhood often and helped his parents with chores.
They had never seen Herrera in the neighborhood before and couldn't imagine his motive for allegedly murdering Mora.
This is Salinas' eighth murder of the year.
Stay with us for more updates.
