September 24, 2024: DA Gascón Announces Man Found Guilty of Killing Three People and Injuring Two Others in Gardena and Lynwood in 2018

Selvin Salazar was found guilty by a jury on September 19 of killing three people and attempting to kill two others in Gardena and Lynwood in 2018

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that Selvin Fabian Salazar was found guilty by a jury on September 19 of shooting and killing Dolores Sanchez and Francisco Montes, and attempting to murder two others on July 31, 2018, in the cities of Gardena and Lynwood. A fifth victim, Saith Pedraza, also was shot by Salazar that same day and died two years later from his injuries.

Sentencing is scheduled October 23 in Dept. L of the Torrance Courthouse. Salazar is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"The conviction of Mr. Salazar in separate shootings in Gardena and Lynwood that resulted in the untimely deaths of Dolores Sanchez, Saith Pedraza, and Francisco Montes, and the attempted murder of two others, brings a measure of justice to a devastating situation," said District Attorney Gascón. "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, who have endured such imaginable pain and loss. No verdict can ever fully heal the wounds caused by such senseless violence, but we hope the case's outcome provides some solace and a sense of closure."

Selvin Fabian Salazar (DOB 9/7/92) was found guilty in case YA097896 of three counts of murder; two counts of attempted murder; one felony count of intimidation of a witness; one felony count of carjacking; and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury also found true the special circumstances of multiple murders and a sentencing enhancement of use of force.

"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement investigators who worked to bring this case to justice. Their commitment and hard work ensured that Mr. Salazar was held accountable for these heinous crimes," DA Gascón added.

In the early hours of July 31 2018, Salazar was in Gardena where he fired multiple shots at a vehicle, striking two people seated inside and a third who was outside, prosecutors said. The driver of the car, Dolores Sanchez, was killed, and a male passenger, Saith Pedraza, was injured. Pedraza died two years later from his injuries.

Salazar then fled the scene with Francisco Montes and his wife. He later fatally shot and killed Francisco and attempted to kill his wife in Lynwood.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Homicide Bureau.