Detectives have identified three suspects in the drive-by shooting of 3-year-old boy killed Wednesday night.
Officers are asking for help locating Gabriel Quintero, 20, Eric Minjares, 17, and Marcus Weber, 16. Quintero is a validated gang-member, according to Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos. The suspects are believed to have been driving a 1999 white Ford Expedition.
Jorge Azios Jr., 22, was driving a sports-utility vehicle westbound on Loucreta Drive in the Florin area at about 11 p.m. July 4, when more than a dozen rounds were fired at the vehicle. The bullets killed Azios’ young son, Jorge Azios.
On Thursday, family and friends gathered at the intersection of Palmer House Drive and Loucreta Drive in south Sacramento for a candlelight vigil in honor of the toddler. Over the weekend, the family planned to hold a barbecue and carwash that Azios’ aunt, Felicia Gutierrez, said would help to pay for the funeral costs.
Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos said the department does not believe the shooting was random, but added that it is unlikely the boy’s father was the intended target. In the dark of night, it was unlikely that the shooters could see who was driving the SUV, he said
“We think they are on the run, likely protected or hidden by friends and family members. We are hoping that because of the nature of this crime that they will turn themselves in or someone will call,” Ramos said.
The weapon has not been recovered and may still be in possession of the suspects, Ramos said.
Eric Minjares, age 17, is a Hispanic male juvenile, 5’7” tall and approximately 135 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Gabriel Quintero, age 20, is a Hispanic male, 6’ tall and approximately 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Marcus Weber, age 16, is a black male juvenile, 5’7” tall and approximately 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
All three suspects are known to frequent many areas around Sacramento County.
On the night of this incident, the suspects are believed to have been driving a 1999 white Ford Expedition.
Anyone who had contact with any of these individuals on the evening of July 4th, or who believes they may have seen them in this vehicle that evening, is asked to call investigators and provide them with information. In addition, anyone knowing the whereabouts of any of these suspects is asked to call the Major Crimes Bureau’s tip line at (916) 874-3152 or the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115. Calls may be made 24 hours a day.
…under the bus, boys
