3 Arrested In Connection With Death Of Watsonville Resident

WATSONVILLE, CA — Two juveniles and one adult have been arrested in connection with the October 2021 murder of 21-year-old Abel Ruiz, the Sana Cruz County Sherriff’s Office announced.

Ruiz was found suffering from a gunshot wound on Oct. 17 at around 8 p.m. at the area of Carlton and Coward roads in Watsonville, the sheriff’s office said. He was taken to a local hospital and later died.

20-year-old Juan Carlos Almaraz Rios is being held at Santa Cruz County Jail on murder charges. The two juvenile suspects are being held in juvenile hall on murder charges, the sheriff’s office said.