Jose Tacuba Cruz, 29, was shot and killed on the evening of August 28, 2016, while cleaning up after a child’s birthday party in the front yard of a house on the 700 block of Elton Place in Salinas, California. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Born March 19, 1987, in Guerrero, Mexico, Cruz was described as devoted to his family and community.

The Salinas Police Department classified the incident as a homicide and opened an investigation. Police did not immediately identify suspects or a motive; some reports suggested the shooting could be gang-related. Investigators encountered difficulties gathering evidence and witnesses, and no arrests were made in the immediate aftermath. Cruz’s family and community held memorials and vigils while detectives continued to seek leads.

Does anyone who was in the Elton Place area that evening or who knew Jose have information that could help the investigation?