News Releases

Selvin Salazar was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder of
three people, attempted murder of two others in Gardena, Lynwood in 2018

TORRANCE, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that Selvin Fabian Salazar was sentenced by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Scott T. Millington to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering Dolores Sanchez and Francisco Montes, and attempting to murder two others on July 31, 2018, in the cities of Gardena and Lynwood. A fifth victim, Saith Pedraza, was shot by Salazar that same day and died two years later from his injuries.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, who have endured tremendous loss and suffering as a result of Mr. Salazar’s horrific actions,” said District Attorney Gascón. “I wish to extend my thanks to Deputy District Attorney Kendra Carman who vigorously prosecuted this case and steadfastly sought justice. We hope this sentence brings a measure of closure to the victims and their loved ones.”

Selvin Fabian Salazar (DOB 9/7/92) was found guilty by a jury on September 19 in case YA097896 of three counts of murder; two counts of attempted murder; one felony count of intimidation of a witness; one felony count of carjacking; and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury also found true the special circumstances of multiple murders.

Salazar was sentenced on October 23 to three consecutive sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Sanchez, Montes, and Pedraza; and 21 years and 4 months in prison for attempted murder, carjacking, intimidation of a witness, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

In the early hours of July 31, 2018, Salazar was in the city of Gardena where he fired multiple shots at a vehicle, striking two people seated inside and a third who was outside. The driver of the car, Dolores Sanchez, was killed, and a male passenger, Saith Pedraza, was injured. Pedraza died two years later from his injuries.

Salazar then fled the scene with Francisco Montes and his wife. He later fatally shot and killed Francisco and attempted to kill Montes’ wife in the city of Lynwood.

The case was prosecuted by LADA’s Torrance Branch and investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau.