A Salinas man was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder following a two-week jury trial in Monterey County Superior Court.
The District Attorney’s Office announced that Julius Santa Cruz, 24, was found guilty in connection with a 2017 double attempted murder and a 2018 homicide in East Salinas. Santa Cruz faces a maximum sentence of 107 years to life. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 19.
The convictions stem from two separate shootings. On Aug. 13, 2017, two victims parked at an apartment complex in East Salinas when a gunman fired 12 rounds at their vehicle. Both victims sustained gunshot wounds but were able to reach Natividad Medical Center, where they received lifesaving treatment, according to a press release from the District Attorney’s Office.
The second incident occurred June 11, 2018, when Sergio Carcamo, 37, was shot while walking to his home on Center Street. Prosecutors said three gunmen exited a vehicle and fired 19 rounds. Carcamo, a migrant agricultural worker from Central America, was struck multiple times and died at the scene.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, early investigations in both cases produced limited evidence. In November 2018, investigators obtained a recording in which Santa Cruz described his involvement in both shootings. Prosecutors identified Santa Cruz as a Norteno gang member and said the statements detailed his role in the attacks.
The charges were filed as part of Operation Redrum, a five-year state and federal investigation targeting violent crimes committed by Salinas-based Norteno gangs, including Northside Boronda, Santa Rita Bahamas and Salinas East Market. The investigation resulted in federal RICO indictments against six individuals, all of whom later entered guilty pleas and received prison sentences ranging from 25 to 41 years.
The District Attorney’s Office said Operation Redrum has resulted in multiple convictions and lengthy prison sentences related to gang-related homicides and attempted murders in Salinas over the past decade.
