Snapchat Post Leads To Homicide Arrest: Escondido Police

ESCONDIDO, CA -- Escondido police say they have arrested a 19-year-old Escondido man on suspicion of homicide after witnesses allegedly discovered the possible killing of their friend via a posting on the social media app, Snapchat.

According to Escondido police Lt. Justin Murphy, the witnesses reported their concern, along with a suspect’s name, to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, which in turn notified Escondido police because the homicide had allegedly occurred in Escondido.

“Basically the suspect alluded to a murder and that is what caused the witnesses to call the police,” Murphy said, without elaborating further on the content of the Snapchat post. “Unfortunately we are not releasing that right now. We are hoping more witnesses come forward with information they may have.”

Murphy said Escondido police were alerted about the possible crime about 3 p.m. Saturday. The suspect’s name provided to police was Salvador Sanchez, whom the lieutenant says is an Escondido resident.

“After a thorough investigation by EPD, it was learned that on Thursday, April 27, in the evening hours, Sanchez had a disagreement with the victim while drinking in an undisclosed area of Escondido,” Murphy said.

“A fight ensued, and Sanchez killed the victim,” Murphy continued. “Sanchez then drove the victim’s body to the 49100 block of E. Paradise Creek Lane in Valley Center where he dumped the victim’s body and buried it in tall grass.”

Escondido police detectives located the body on Sunday.

“An autopsy is pending for Tuesday, May 2, and the victim will remain unnamed until the Medical Examiner can make a positive identification and notify next of kin,” Murphy said.

Sanchez was arrested just before 3 p.m. Sunday in the area of Ash Street and Grand Avenue in Escondido, and booked into the San Diego County jail in Vista on suspicion of first-degree murder.

As of Tuesday morning, booking records showed Sanchez was being held on no bail pending a court arraignment. According to Murphy, the arraignment is scheduled to occur Wednesday.

“This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Detective John O’Donnell at 760-839-4756, or leave an anonymous tip at 760-743-TIPS (8477),” Murphy said.

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