On December 9, 2023, at approximately 2:18 a.m., Winston-Salem Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire and a vehicular collision in the 300 block of Barnes Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle that had collided with several parked cars. Inside, officers found 20-year-old Jahir Jimenez-Laredo and 21-year-old Mitzi Saldana-Clemente, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The department's Criminal Investigations Division promptly initiated an investigation. By 5:30 a.m., officers located 18-year-old Ryan Anguiano Prudente walking along U.S. 52, accompanied by two juveniles; a third juvenile was found hiding nearby. Evidence obtained during the investigation linked these individuals to the double homicide. Prudente was arrested and charged with two counts of general murder, while the three juveniles faced similar charges. Prudente was held without bond at the Forsyth County Detention Center, with his first court appearance scheduled for the following Monday.
In the days preceding the incident, Prudente had been arrested on multiple felony drug charges, including possession of a weapon of mass destruction. Despite these serious charges, he was released on a $50,000 bond. Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn Jr. expressed concern over the adequacy of bond guidelines, stating, "There has to be a way for us to keep violent offenders in jail to keep our communities safe."
The deaths of Jimenez-Laredo and Saldana-Clemente marked the 45th and 46th homicides in Winston-Salem for the year 2023, reflecting a significant increase from 35 homicides at the same time in 2022. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and urge anyone with additional information to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together to mourn the loss of two young lives. An online memorial for Jimenez-Laredo has been established, allowing friends and family to share memories and express condolences.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and addressing the broader issues of community safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing such tragedies.
