Crime
28-year-old Benito Juarez killed in Seaside Cemetery shooting, 2 suspects arrested
The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) has made a second arrest in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred near Seaside Cemetery on Sunday night.
On Tuesday, U.S. Marshals, in collaboration with CCPD officers, apprehended 20-year-old Amber Salazar at the 4800 block of Kendall Drive.
Salazar was initially arrested on an outstanding burglary warrant unrelated to the shooting incident. The bond for the burglary charge was set at $30,000.
After being transported to the CCPD main police station, Salazar was interviewed by homicide detectives. Following the interview, detectives secured a murder warrant against him, adding this charge to his record. Salazar’s bond now totals $780,000.
The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of Sunday night’s shooting as 28-year-old Benito Juarez. Juarez succumbed to his injuries at a hospital after the incident.
On Monday, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for 20-year-old Jesse Diaz in connection with Juarez’s murder.
Diaz was taken into custody at the CCPD Main Station and subsequently transported to the City Detention Center for booking. His bond has been set at $750,000.
The fatal shooting occurred on Sunday, January 7, at approximately 6:18 p.m. in the 200 block of Robert Drive, near Seaside Cemetery.
Upon arrival, CCPD officers found the victim receiving first aid from the Corpus Christi Fire Department. Despite efforts, Juarez was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest that an unknown number of individuals had met at the location, where a dispute escalated into a shooting. The suspects fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle.
Authorities believe that Juarez and the suspect(s) were acquainted, indicating this was not a random act of violence.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify additional suspects and gather more evidence.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 361-886-2600. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477).
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.