Today, Judge Orcutt sentenced Juan Salcedo, 46, of Stockton, to 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of Moises Montes. The sentencing follows a jury’s conviction in Judge Orcutt’s courtroom for the crime, which took place on August 15, 2022, near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Mormon Slough.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 PM when Salcedo shot Montes with a .177 caliber air rifle. The first shot struck Montes in the abdomen, causing severe injury. As Montes fled into Mormon Slough and dialed 911, Salcedo fired a second, fatal shot to his chest.

District Attorney Ron Freitas commented on the sentencing: “This day marks justice for Moises Montes—a life taken too soon—and confirms my resolve that violence has no place in our community. While nothing can undo this loss, I’m proud of the tenaciousness of Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau and his prosecution team, alongside the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Justice, who together ensured accountability. Their efforts honor Moises and strengthen our resolve to protect every family in this county.”

The successful prosecution, led by DDA Elton Grau, was bolstered by the investigative expertise of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Justice. Judge Orcutt and the jury also played pivotal roles in delivering this outcome.