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.
BATON ROUGE, LA – March 12, 2025 – A high-speed crash on LA 30 near Bluebonnet Boulevard resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old Jeremiah Downing and 22-year-old Hunter LaGrange, both of Hahnville, Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Police Troop A is investigating the fatal incident, which occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
Preliminary reports indicate that St. Gabriel Police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Downing, for speeding on LA 30.
However, Downing refused to comply and continued westbound at a high rate of speed in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement.
As Downing approached the intersection at Bluebonnet Boulevard, a 2016 GMC Sierra traveling east on LA 30 was attempting to make a left turn onto Bluebonnet.
Investigators determined that Downing disregarded a red light at the intersection, resulting in a head-on collision with the GMC Sierra.
Jeremiah Downing (driver of the Camaro) was unrestrained at the time of the crash.
He sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Hunter LaGrange (passenger in the Camaro) was also unrestrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the GMC Sierra was wearing a seatbelt and sustained serious injuries.
They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
At this time, it is unclear whether impairment played a role in the crash.
However, standard toxicology samples have been collected and will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana State Police urge motorists to prioritize safety by obeying traffic signals, avoiding reckless driving, and always wearing a seatbelt.
Additional details will be provided as the investigation progresses.