Rafael "Viejo" Salcedo, a 44-year-old resident of Watsonville, California, tragically lost his life on October 24, 2020. Salcedo was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at the intersection of East Front and Marchant streets around 5:30 p.m. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. This incident was part of a violent night in Watsonville, which saw multiple shootings, including the fatal shooting of another man, Aaron "Rooster" Lucio, later that evening.
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investigation into Salcedo's death revealed that he was a victim of homicide. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and Watsonville Police Department launched a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shootings. The multi-agency Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team took a leading role in the investigation, focusing on gang-related activities that might have been connected to the violence that night.
In September 2021, nearly a year after the incident, a significant breakthrough occurred. Julio Cesar Sanchez, a 22-year-old man who had been in jail on unrelated charges, was identified as a suspect in the murder of Aaron Lucio. During the investigation, Sanchez allegedly confessed to the killing of Lucio. While Sanchez's direct involvement in Salcedo's death was not confirmed, the confession and subsequent charges highlighted the ongoing gang-related violence in the area.
The case against Sanchez included multiple charges, such as murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and gang-related enhancements. He was held without bail at the Santa Cruz County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. The authorities continued to seek additional information from the public to piece together the events of that violent night and bring justice to the victims and their families.
Salcedo's death, along with the other violent incidents that night, underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing gang violence and ensuring community safety. The investigations and subsequent arrests were part of broader efforts to curb such violence and prevent future tragedies in Watsonville and surrounding areas.
