Salinas man sentenced to 26 years to life for stabbing fiance to death back in 2021
SALINAS, Calif. (KION- TV) -- Update: June 28, 2023, at 3:19 p.m.-The Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said that a 61-year-old man was sentenced for killing his finance back in Feb. of 2021.
Richard Ruiz was found guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon on March 27, 2023. He will spend 26 years to life in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for stabbing and killing Gabriela Guzman.
On Feb. 17, Richard Chavez requested a wellness check for his mother Gabriela Guzman, after he had not heard from her in a few days. Ms. Guzman had not shown up for work for two days, and nobody was able to reach her, said Pacioni.
Salinas Police arrived at the 1700 block of Creekbridge and found Ms. Guzman's lifeless body inside her bedroom. Pacioni said she was stabbed six times in the face and neck.
Salinas man convicted of stabbing fiance to death back in 2021
Update: March 27, 2023, at 5:13 p.m.- The Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said that a 61-year-old man was convicted of killing his finance back in Feb of 2021.
Richard Ruiz was found guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon on Monday. He faces a maximum of 26 years to life in the California Department and Rehabilitation at his sentencing hearing on May 18, 2023.
On Feb. 17, Richard Chavez requested a wellness check for his mother Gabriela Guzman, after he had not heard from her in a few days. Ms. Guzman had not shown up for work for two days, and nobody was able to reach her, said Pacioni.
Salinas Police arrived at the 1700 block of Creekbridge and found Ms. Guzman's lifeless body inside her bedroom. Pacioni said she was stabbed six times in the face and neck.
After an extensive investigation, her fiance, Richard Ruiz, was determined to be a person of interest. Ruiz was last at her home in the evening hours of Feb. 13, as seen on security surveillance inside the residence.
Video evidence shows Ruiz walking up the stairs into the bedroom at 3:38 p.m. on Feb. 13. Pacioni said this was the last time Ms. Guzman was seen alive. He is then seen walking up and down the stairs throughout the day.
During one of the last times he is seen, he looks to have showered and is seen in new clothing, per Pacioni. Ruiz left the property and fled to northern California. He was found on Feb. 18 by Salinas Police after a chase from Gilroy ended in Soledad.
Man suspected of killing girlfriend in Salinas has been arrested
Salinas Police have arrested a 59-year-old man suspected of killing his girlfriend at a home on Great Island Street.
Police say Richard Ruiz was located in the Gilroy area and arrested after leading police on a pursuit that ended in Soledad.
Investigators say they were initially attempting to track down Ruiz after his girlfriend was found dead in a home on Great Island Street.
The girlfriend was initially reported missing by concerned family members, who said they had not heard from the 57-year-old woman in several days.
It was then officers located and entered the home after trying to make contact with Ruiz and the girlfriend. Upon entry, they found the missing woman deceased inside.
Ruiz was booked into Monterey County Jail on charges of murder and evading officers.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective John McNeil at (831) 758-7277 or email him at: johnmc@ci.salinas.ca.us or call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222.
ORIGINAL STORY
Salinas Police are investigating a homicide. It happened in the 1700 block of Great Island Street Wednesday. Little information is known at this time.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. You can remain anonymous by calling the Salinas Police Department tip line at (831) 775-4222.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
