Release Date/Time: 3/15/2017 1:20 AM
Incident: Homicide/Homicide Arrest
Report #: 17-030659
Date: Tuesday, 3/14/2017
Time: 7:50 PM
Location: 1500 Blk of Verona Crt.
On March 14, 2017, at approximately 7:50 pm, Salinas Police officers were dispatched to the victim of a stabbing in the 1500 blk of Verona Ct. When officers arrived they found 68-year-old Herbert Valero, suffering from a stab wound to his neck. Officers performed CPR until medical personnel arrived. Unfortunately, due to the injury to his neck, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Herbert Valero was a Pastor for the Victory Outreach Church in Salinas. 'Pastor Herb” met one of his parishioners, 37-year-old Servando Ayala Silva, outside of the above address. Pastor Herb told his family he was going to be outside, praying with Silva. A few minutes later, Pastor Herb ran into the house holding his neck. He stated Silva had stabbed him. Family members called 911 as Silva fled in a white full size truck.
Officers gathered information on Silva and made contact with Silva's family members, to check on their welfare. Silva's family members were unharmed and were asked to contact the police if Silva returned. At 9:45 pm, officers were actively trying to locate Silva when one of his family members called 911 and said Silva was at their front door. Officers arrived and took Silva into custody without incident. Officers eventually transported Silva to the Monterey County Jail and he was booked for Homicide.
The motive for the stabbing is unknown and this case is not considered gang related. This is the 10th homicide in the City of Salinas this year.
If anyone has had recent contact with Silva and can provide information related to this murder, please contact Detective Byron Gansen at (831) 758-7137 or at byrong@ci.salinas.ca.us. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 831-775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78-CRIME.
Release Authorized by: Christopher Lane, Investigations Sergeant
Telephone: (831) 758-7496