Sacramento Teen Charged with Murder in Salinas Sideshow Shooting

A 17-year-old boy from Sacramento has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Adrian Puga during a sideshow in Prunedale, California, on November 9, 2024. Puga was shot shortly before 10:30 p.m. and later died from his injuries at the hospital. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office utilized tips from the community, including video footage, to identify potential suspects, resulting in the issuance of over 20 search warrants. The suspect was apprehended with the help of Sacramento police and extradited to Monterey County, where he is now held in juvenile hall on murder charges. Authorities noted that the motive remains unclear, although there are suggestions of gang affiliations related to the suspect. Sheriff Tina Nieto criticized witnesses who shared videos on social media without reporting the incident to law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in such investigations.