Location: Avenue 416/Road 130, Orosi
Incident Date: 2/27/16
Incident Time: 1446 hours
Case Number: 16-02573
Victim: Bryan Salazar
City: Orosi
Posted by: Media Relations
************UPDATE: NEW DNA EVIDENCE LEADS TO MURDER ARREST*********
Victim: Bryan Salazar, 19, of Dinuba
Suspect: Juan Jose Ballesteros, 20 years of age, resident of Cutler
On Friday, February 23, 2018, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit, with assistance from Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (TAGNET), arrested Juan Jose Ballesteros for the 2016 Murder of Bryan Salazar.
The TAGNET Task Force arrested Ballesteros in the Cutler area without incident.
The victim in this case was murdered on Feb. 27, 2016 at approximately 1446 hours, while riding his bicycle in the area of Avenue 416 and Road 130, in Orosi. During the incident, witnesses described seeing the suspect flee in an older model Honda vehicle.
Over the last two years, investigators with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit developed additional forensic evidence linking Ballesteros to Salazar’s murder. The suspect was later booked at the Adult Pre-Trial Facility.
Juan Ballesteros was one of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.
The case is still an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Franco and/or Sergeant Marks with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or send anonymous information by sending an email to TCSO@tipnow.com or leave a voice message or text at (559) 725-4194.
*************Earlier Press Releases**********************
Location: Road 130/Avenue 416, Orosi
Incident Date: 02-27-16
Incident Time: 1507 Hours
Case Number: 16-02573
Victim: Bryan Salazar, 19, of Dinuba
City: Orosi
Posted by: Media Relations
**************Update***************
On 3-3-16, an autopsy was conducted on the victim in this case. The official cause of death is listed as exsanguination due to a penetrating shotgun wound.
This case remains an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or 1-800-808-0488. Anyone with information can remain anonymous by calling TIP NOW at (559) 725-4194.
*************Update**************
On 2-29-16, Tulare County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Detectives positively identified the victim in this case as Bryan Salazar, 19 years of age, out of the Dinuba area.
The official cause of death is pending an autopsy which has been scheduled for later in the week.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call (559) 725-4194.
Original press release:
On 2/27/16 at 1507 hours, Deputies from the Orosi Substation responded to the area of Road 130 and Avenue 416 for a “man down” call. Upon arrival, a male adult was located who was suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.
A black Honda was seen leaving the area. The case is under investigation by Tulare County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit. Contact Sgt. Mayberry or Det. Franco with any information.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call (559) 725-4194.