By Khalida Sarwari
A $1 million arrest warrant has been issued for a suspected gang member who authorities said shot his 14-year-old girlfriend to death in Salinas a little more than two months ago.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Manuel Cruz, 18, who also goes by the name “Lil Roquero,” in connection with the Nov. 23 death of Maria De Jesus Ambriz-Reyes.
Detectives found Ambriz-Reyes’ body at about 9:40 a.m. in the area of 1776 Old Stage Road in Salinas.
Cruz was identified as the person responsible for her death during the course of the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Cruz was described as a Hispanic man standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.
Anyone with information about the case or who knows Cruz’s whereabouts is asked to call Detective Matt Davis at (831) 755-3772 or the tip line at (831) 422-2933.
