On July 28, 2012, Hector Daniel Reyes, aged 23, was tragically murdered in San Ardo, California. Reyes, along with Daniel Fraga, was found shot to death inside a house on Railroad Avenue. The incident occurred during a meeting of the Sureno gang, of which both victims were members. The meeting was called to discuss Fraga, who had confronted the gang leader, Lopez, about a ritual beating of a juvenile member.
Reyes, who was the cousin of the beaten girl, accompanied Fraga to the meeting to rescue her. During the confrontation, Juan Salazar Jr., another gang member, took out a gun and ordered Reyes and Fraga into the bathroom, where he shot them multiple times, leaving them to die.
The investigation into the double homicide led to the arrest of Juan Salazar Jr., who fled to Mexico with his underage girlfriend, Eunice Serrato, after the murders. This prompted a statewide Amber Alert. Salazar eventually turned himself in at the U.S.-Mexico border, and Serrato returned to her family. Salazar was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with gang and gun enhancements. He was also convicted for his involvement in the beating of the juvenile girl. In December 2014, Salazar was sentenced to 100 years to life in prison, with his first parole hearing not eligible until the summer of 2112.
The gang leader, Lopez, was also convicted in connection with the murders. He was found guilty of second-degree murder, gang enhancements, and additional charges related to ordering the beating of the juvenile girl. Lopez faced a sentence of 15 years to life, plus an additional 10 years. His sentencing was delayed when he fired his lawyer and demanded a new one.
The case highlighted the violent nature of gang activities in the area and the severe consequences for those involved. The families of the victims expressed their grief and anger during the court proceedings, emphasizing the devastating impact of the murders on their lives. The sentencing of Salazar and Lopez brought some measure of justice to the victims' families, although the pain of their loss remains.
