Dates: 1992- February 25, 2022
The Tragedy:
Police Officer Jorge Alvarado lost his life during a traffic stop in Salinas, California on February 25, 2022. The driver of the vehicle had pulled over, immediately exited his car and fired upon officer Alvarado before he even had the chance to leave his patrol vehicle. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Alvarado courageously returned fire from inside his cruiser, managing to wound the suspect.
The assailant was subsequently apprehended shortly afterward and now faces charges of murder with special circumstances and shooting an occupied vehicle.
Officer Alvarado, an esteemed U.S. Army veteran, had devoted two years of service to the Salinas Police Department, following four years with the Colma Police Department. He leaves behind his mother and fiancée.
Tragically, Alvarado’s death marked the first time in nearly eight decades that a police officer lost their life in the line of duty in Salinas.
More Info:
NBC : Officer Jorge David Alvarado killed in gunfire exchange
The Service:
Early March 10, 2022 hundreds of police officers and fire department members joined in a three mile procession through Salinas honoring Officer Alvarado. This would be his last trip past the Salinas Police Department. The procession concluded at Rabobank Stadium where a memorial ceremony took place.
During the service, Jorge Alvarado, the older brother of Officer Alvarado, delivered a moving eulogy. He recounted how he had encouraged his brother to join him in serving with the Salinas police force, and he fondly remembered him as a true “warrior”.
“He fought until his final breath was taken from him and brought justice to himself, he brought justice to himself by never retreating during his final battle,” said Alvarado.
Veronica Alvarado, fiancée, remembered him as well, “I feel God gave us ‘us’ for each other, for the ups and downs, and grow together. WE knew we did everything for each other. Our purpose was each other. Now, I feel like my purpose is gone.”
More info:
thecalifornian : Officer laid to rest
The Justice:
Gustavo Matias Morales was arrested upon his arrival to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound in his left hand. He was charged with murder with special circumstance for killing an officer. Morales pled not guilty.
In a following court session, Morales was charged with the first-degree murder of Officer Alvarado. District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni stated that the family of the officer was consulted, and all agreed to not pursue the death penalty for Morales, but instead life in prison without parole.
The trial is set to start October 2, 2023.
More info:
KSBW : DA not seeking death penalty
kion456 : Updates regarding Morales case
Delivery:
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