'Person Of Interest' Now Murder Suspect Sought In Slaying Of 2 In Salinas

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – A 25-year-old man initially identified as a person of interest in a deathinvestigation that began Tuesday afternoon in Salinas is now considered a suspect in the case, police said today.

Detectives are looking for Ellin Omar Escamilla, who lived at the Essex Court home where a relative found two bodies around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and called 911, police said.

The relative and responding officers found the home in disarray and clear signs that a struggle occurred, police said.

The names of the deceased, a male and a female, haven't been released until their next of kin is notified, according to police.

Investigators believe the victims are related to the home, police said.

Investigators at first said Escamilla was a person of interest, but later classified him as a suspect and obtained a no-bail arrest warrant for him in connection with the deaths, according to police.

Detectives have located and recovered Ecamilla's Lincoln MKX, but are still searching for him and have confirmed he was spotted in the greater Los Angeles area, police said.

Based on the suspect's past job and family history, he could be heading to El Centro in Imperial County or Yuma, Arizona, both near the Mexican border, police said.

Anyone who makes contact with Ecamilla or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Salinas police at (831) 758-7250. Those who have additional information on the suspect are asked to contact police Detective Stephen Craig at (831) 758-7929.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the police tip line at (831) 775-4222, WeTip line at (800) 782-7463 or send a text to 847411 with "SPD831" in the message.

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--Bay City News/Images via Salinas police