New DNA evidence leads to murder arrest

Nearly two years after the deadly shooting of Bryan Salazar in Orosi, new DNA evidence has led the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office to an arrest

The TCSO Violent Crimes Unit, with assistance from detectives with the Sheriff’s Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (TAGNET), arrested Juan Jose Ballesteros, 20, for the 2016 murder of Salazar.

The TAGNET Task Force arrested Ballesteros, 20, in the Cutler area on Friday without incident.

The victim in this case was allegedly murdered on Feb. 27, 2016 at approximately 2:46 p.m., while riding his bicycle in the area of Ave 416 and Road 130 in Orosi. Deputies arrived minutes later and found Salazar suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital but later died.

During the incident, witnesses described seeing the suspect flee in an older model Honda vehicle. Over the last two years, investigators with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Violent Crimes Unit developed additional forensic evidence linking Ballesteros to Salazar’s murder. The suspect was booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Adult Pretrial Facility.

The case is still an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 733-6218 or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to Tcso@tipnow.com or call 725-4194.