Salvador Corrales, a 24-year-old resident of South Gate, California, tragically lost his life on July 26, 2018. The incident occurred in Long Beach, where Corrales was found dead in a parking lot. The investigation revealed that he had been shot nine miles away from where his body was discovered. The Long Beach Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 6700 block of Cherry Avenue at around 9:05 p.m. on the night of the incident.
Upon arrival, officers found evidence of a shooting but no victim at the scene. It was later determined that Corrales had been the victim of this shooting.
The investigation into Corrales' death led to the arrest of Steven Manzo, a 24-year-old resident of Hawaiian Gardens. Manzo was charged with the murder of Salvador Corrales in 2018. The case took a dramatic turn when Manzo was mistakenly released from custody on March 9, 2021. This error occurred due to a court order for release, which was issued after the case against Manzo was dismissed. However, the same charges were immediately refiled under a different case number, and Manzo was ordered to remain in custody pending arraignment on the new case.
The mistaken release of Manzo caused significant distress for Corrales' family, who were seeking justice for his death. The family expressed their frustration and heartbreak over the situation, emphasizing the impact of Corrales' loss on his children and loved ones. Authorities launched a manhunt to recapture Manzo, who was eventually apprehended during a traffic stop in North Orange County. He was taken into custody by Long Beach Police officers and held on a $4.09 million bail.
The case against Manzo continued to unfold as the legal proceedings moved forward. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office played a crucial role in ensuring that the charges were refiled and that Manzo remained in custody. The incident highlighted the complexities and challenges of the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving serious charges such as murder. The family of Salvador Corrales continued to advocate for justice, hoping that the legal process would ultimately hold Manzo accountable for his actions.
