Salinas Youth Sports Coach Arrested On Murder Charges

GILROY, CA -- A youth sports coach was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of a 23 year-old man in Salinas two years ago, police said. Kareem Jamal King, 23, was shot in the Chinatown area of East Lake and Soledad streets on Sept. 16, 2016, according to police. He succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Police said at the time that King was standing in the area when a suspect approached and shot him, then fled south on Bridge Alley toward Market Way. A police investigation led to the identification of Jerry Sanks, 29, as a suspect. Police said he turned himself in to detectives on Tuesday with the help of his attorney.

Sanks was booked into Monterey County Jail on suspicion of murder with bail set at $1 million.

In a note shared on his Facebook Tuesday morning, Sanks said he was turning himself in to authorities so he could begin fighting for his innocence.

"I would like to inform you that I have been charged with a crime I didn't commit," he wrote. "I hope I will have everyone's support as I fight to clear my name. Please keep me in your prayers. I love you all."Sanks is a football coach at the Salinas Colts & Broncos, a youth sports program, and addressed the letter to his team, friends, fiance and son.

--Bay City News/Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch