Authorities Seek Monterey County Highway Shooting Suspects

MONTEREY COUNTY - Authorities are looking for a 20-year-old man wanted in connection with a highway shooting earlier this year in Monterey County that killed one person and wounded another.

On Thursday, investigators secured a $2 million warrant for 20-year-old Edson Villanueva, a suspect in a March 15 shooting on state Highway 1 north of Canyon Del Rey, according to Monterey police Sgt. Michael Bruno of the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team.

Khaleel Johnson, 19, of Seaside, was killed while riding in a car heading north on the freeway near Monterey, Seaside and Sand City around 12:15 a.m. that day, Bruno said.

The driver was injured in the shooting but survived, Bruno said.

Investigators are also looking for 20-year-old Edward Rodriguez, who is also a suspect in the shooting. A third suspect, 19-year-old Daniel Bello-Perez of Seaside, was arrested June 1 on suspicion of Johnson's death, Bruno said.

Also on Patch: Sand City Murder Suspect Arrested; One Remains At Large

Bello-Perez was also suspected of possession of a firearm and ammunition, conspiracy and gang enhancements, according to police.

Anyone with information on the fatal shooting or the whereabouts of Rodriguez or Villanueva is asked to call the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team at (831) 646-6926.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call a confidential tip hotline at (831) 646-3840.

-Bay City News, image via ShutterStock