Release Date/Time: 5/13/2019 3:11 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder Arrest
Date: Monday, 5/13/2019
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: Modesto, CA
In April 2019, detectives from the Salinas Police Department's Investigations Bureau were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Neil Aguillon (Palermo), age 19. The warrant was obtained based on the on-going investigation into an attempted murder that occurred on February 12, 2017, on Orchard Ave. in the city of Salinas. Salinas PD detectives traced Aguillon to the Modesto, CA area. We contacted Modesto Police Department with the information, and on Saturday, May 11th, they were able to locate Aguillon in the 1400 block of Mable St. in Modesto. Aguillon was taken into custody without incident.
In addition to Aguillon, who was a juvenile at the time of the shooting, the attempted murder investigation has, so far, led to the Federal Indictment of Salinas resident Kristopher Purcell (age 20) for multiple racketeering related charges; racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm causing murder, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm during and in relation to, or possession in furtherance of a crime of violence. Purcell's murder charge stems from a shooting that occurred on February 11, 2017, in which Salinas resident John Rodzach was murdered in the area of Fremont St. and North Hebbron St.
The attempted murder occurred on the 100 block of Orchard Ave. just after midnight on February 12, 2017. Two victims had just returned home from the store and as they parked their car, four gunmen approached their car and began shooting. The victims were hit multiple times and the driver attempted to flee in the vehicle. While doing so he struck and disabled the suspect vehicle in the middle of Orchard Ave. The gunmen fled on foot into the area and were not found. The victims, a 20-year-old and 49-year old, were transported to a local hospital and have recovered.
The Investigation Bureau is asking anyone with information on this shooting, or any other crimes related to Neil Aguillon and/or Kristopher Purcell, to call the Bureau at (831) 758-7226.
Release Authorized by: Christopher Lane, Investigations Sergeant
Telephone: (831) 758-7496