On the night of September 7, 2024, at approximately 11:34 p.m., deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department were patrolling near the 3000 block of Lemon Grove Avenue when they heard multiple gunshots. Upon investigation, they were informed of a group engaged in a heated argument in the 3100 block of School Lane. Arriving at the scene, deputies discovered 21-year-old Spring Valley resident, Diego Omar Valera-Trujillo, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical assistance and transportation to a local hospital by the Heartland Fire Department, Valera-Trujillo succumbed to his injuries.
The subsequent investigation led authorities to identify 27-year-old Joshua Gonzalez of Lemon Grove as the primary suspect. On September 9, 2024, around 5:30 p.m., the Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail apprehended Gonzalez near his residence in the 8200 block of Lincoln Avenue. He was taken into custody and charged with murder.
During Gonzalez's arraignment, the court denied his request for bail, citing concerns about potential flight risk. Prosecutors revealed that hours after the shooting, Gonzalez allegedly drove to Mexico, seemingly attempting to relocate. He later returned, rented a U-Haul truck, and began moving out of his residence when law enforcement apprehended him.
The incident reportedly began when a woman, visibly distressed, approached Valera-Trujillo and his group at a skate park, seeking help. She had allegedly been assaulted prior to the encounter. The group intervened, separating her from Gonzalez, which led to a confrontation. Gonzalez initially left the scene but returned shortly thereafter, opening fire and striking Valera-Trujillo multiple times. Another individual was also wounded during the shooting.
Valera-Trujillo's brother, Rafael, who was present during the incident, recounted the harrowing experience. He described how the woman ran into the park, screaming for help, with Gonzalez following her. After the group intervened, Gonzalez left but returned minutes later, firing the fatal shots. Rafael expressed profound grief over the loss of his brother, emphasizing the deep impact on their family and the local skating community.
The investigation into the circumstances and motivations behind the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities continue to seek information from the public to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident. Community members with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers to assist in the ongoing investigation.
