Jesus Arias Villa was 22 when he was shot and killed on February 5, 2022, in Salinas, California. He was born February 24, 1999, in Salinas and had been pursuing boxing. On the evening of the shooting Jesus and his girlfriend, Karina Chavez Vargas, were seated in their vehicle near Closter Park when two people approached and opened fire. Both victims were struck; Jesus died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds and Karina later died at a hospital.

Investigators determined the two shooters targeted someone else who lived in the same apartment complex, and that the attack was carried out by two cousins who were gang members. They had been parked across the street waiting and then walked up and began shooting as the couple sat in the car. The community held vigils and created memorials for Jesus and Karina.

What information can anyone share about Jesus’ life in Salinas or about the events near Closter Park that night?