Norteno gang member sentenced for killing young Monterey County couple in mistaken identity slaying

SALINAS – A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the double murder and assault of a young couple in Salinas three years ago, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Friday.

On Aug. 31, 2021, Mario Rodriguez, a Norteno criminal street gang member, shot and killed the two on E. Bernal Drive in Salinas. The evidence showed Rodriguez and several other Norteno gang members were in the area believing it to be rival Sureno criminal street gang territory where they might find an enemy to target; instead...