Hollister police are investigating a shooting homicide.
According to a police statement:
At about 6:45 p.m. May 28, Hollister police officers responded to a report of a shooting. On-scene officers found an adult male victim at the intersection of Prune St & Park St. The victim was found non-responsive. CPR was initiated and the victim was transported by ambulance to Hazel Hawkins Hospital. Despite life saving efforts, the victim was later declared deceased at the hospital.
This is an ongoing, active investigation. Please call 831-636-4331 if you have information on this incident. Those that wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to call 1-800-782-7463. Your tip could lead to a reward of up to $1,000.
Story update on June 2:
On June 2, 2017, the Hollister Police Department served two search warrants resulting in the arrest of Jose Estrada III (20 yrs, Hollister) in the homicide of the victim, identified as Victor Barajas (23 yrs, Hollister).
On the morning of June 2, 2017 the Hollister Police Department officers with the assistance of the San Benito Sheriff’s deputies, UNET agents and San Benito Probation officers, served two search warrants. The warrants were obtained by Hollister Police Department detectives and signed by Judge Sanders. The warrants were served on two houses at the same time.
Estrada was arrested and booked for 187 PC – murder and is being held on $1,000,000 bail at the San Benito County Jail.
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, UNET and San Benito County Probation for their assistance.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Detective Martinez at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
Story update on June 5:
The Hollister Police Department has made three additional arrests in connection to the May 28, 2017 murder of Victor Barajas (23).
The Hollister Police Department Detectives are continuing with the investigation of the killing of Victor Barajas. Jose Estrada was previously arrested on Friday June 2, 2017 after a series of search warrants in Hollister. He was charged with Victor Barajas’ murder.
Later that same day, Alfonso Contreras (23) came to the Hollister Police Department after a search warrant had been conducted earlier in the morning at his home. He was subsequently arrested by detectives.
Luis Dominguez-Mojica (22) was arrested on May 31, 2017 for a prior assault with a deadly weapon charge and is in custody at the San Benito County Jail. Charges against him were added by police in regards to this case.
On June 4, 2017, Detective Bo Leland located Luis Garcia Mendez (22) driving a vehicle on San Benito Street. Officers conducted a high risk stop and he was arrested by police without incident.
All three are from Hollister and have been booked for 187 PC – murder and are being held on $1,000,000 bail at the San Benito County Jail.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Detective Martinez at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
