Crime & Safety

Second Suspect Arrested In Killing Of Soquel Man

A 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the killing, according to sheriff's officials.

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A second person was arrested today on suspicion of murder in the death of a resident of the unincorporated Santa Cruz County community of Soquel, sheriff's officials said. At about 12:30 p.m., Alexis Balderas, 19, of Hollister, was booked on suspicion murder and participation in a criminal street gang while he was in the Santa Cruz County jail on warrants.

Balderas has been in jail since April 8, when 26-year-old Ivan Villalobos was shot and killed at the Emerald Bay Apartments at 2500 Soquel Drive. Sheriff's officials said a 15-year-old boy was arrested April 19 on suspicion of shooting and killing Villalobos. Bail for Balderas has been set at $1.5 million.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to call Sgt. Dee Baldwin at (831) 454-7635.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

By Bay City News

Photo via Shutterstock

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.