Carlos Manuel Lopez Sanchez, a 20-year-old resident of King City, California, tragically lost his life on December 26, 2021. On that fateful day, gunshots were reported in the area of Sussex Way and Wellington Avenue at approximately 1:22 p.m. When local officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Carlos and an 18-year-old female, Selena Gonzalez Godoy, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The King City Police Department extended their condolences to the families and friends of the victims, emphasizing the profound impact of this violent act on the community.
The investigation into the double homicide was swift and thorough. Collaborative efforts between the King City and Greenfield police departments, which included interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage, led to the identification of a suspect vehicle, a gray 2006 GMC Yukon. This vehicle was seen arriving at the crime scene, from which the suspects exited, confronted the victims, and then fled the area rapidly. The vehicle was later recovered by law enforcement, providing a crucial lead in the case.
Detectives identified the primary suspects as Elizar Ayron Arellano, 19, of King City, and Raul Omar Lucas, 20, of Salinas. Warrants were issued for their arrests, and search warrants were executed at residences in King City and Salinas. During these searches, a non-serialized assault weapon was recovered, and Rocio Villa Vasquez Martinez, 28, of Salinas, was arrested for possession of the weapon and other related charges. She was later charged with aiding and abetting in the murders.
On December 29, 2021, Raul Omar Lucas was apprehended in Salinas and booked into the Monterey County Jail on two counts of murder. The investigation revealed that Selena Gonzalez Godoy was more than eight weeks pregnant at the time of her death, leading to an additional murder charge against Lucas for the unborn child. Further investigative efforts led to the arrest of a third suspect, 19-year-old Guillermo Becerra of Salinas, who was charged with three counts of homicide.
Despite these arrests, the search for Elizar Ayron Arellano continued, with authorities considering him armed and dangerous. The King City Police Department sought the public's assistance in locating Arellano, urging anyone with information to come forward while cautioning against direct contact with the suspect.
The case remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to bring all responsible parties to justice. The tragic deaths of Carlos Lopez Sanchez and Selena Gonzalez Godoy, along with the loss of Godoy's unborn child, have left a lasting impact on the King City community, highlighting the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of continued efforts to ensure public safety.
