Man Shot to Death at Pala Indian Reservation Identified

PALA, CA: Authorities continue to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred early Monday north of San Diego on the Pala Indian Reservation — the victim of which has been identified.

The death of Bruce Molina, age 58, of Pala, was caused by gunshot trauma, according to a statement Thursday morning from Lt. Kenneth Nelson of the San Diego County Sheriff Department's Homicide Detail.

The shooting was reported about 12:19 a.m. Monday in the 11900 block of Ortega Road in Pala.

Emergency personnel responded but were unable to revive Molina.

"At this point, it appears the victim was sitting in a vehicle when unknown persons shot several rounds into the vehicle, striking the victim multiple times," Norton said at the time.

Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Detail at 858-974- 2321 (858-565-5200 after hours). Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Patch file photo/Maggie Avants