WATSONVILLE—A Watsonville teen was shot and killed in Watsonville Saturday evening, and a suspect was arrested inside of 24 hours.
Michelle Pulido, spokeswoman for Watsonville Police, said police initially responded Saturday around 6pm to reports of shots fired in the area of Rodriguez and Main streets. Upon arrival they found the 15-year-old male suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
He was taken to the hospital and died shortly after.
At about 11:30am Sunday, detectives tracked down the suspected shooter in unincorporated Santa Cruz County and took him into custody.
The 16-year-old suspect was booked into Juvenile Hall under murder charges.
“Our preliminary investigation indicates the shooter and the 15-year-old victim had issues in the past,” Pulido said. “On the night of the incident, the suspect confronted the teen. As the victim and his friends attempted to leave the area in their car, the shooter opened fire, striking the victim multiple times. The driver of the car then crashed into the balcony of a nearby apartment.”
Officials are not naming the victim.
Pulido said the incident is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Juan Castillo at 768.3358.
if the murderer can’t be named, the parents should be