Jose Vasquez-Valenzuela Obituary, Death – The Salem Police Department has identified a teenager who was shot and killed in Bush’s Pasture Park on Thursday afternoon. Around 1:45 p.m., officers were called to a shooting near High Street Southeast and Leffelle Street Southeast. According to the police, the initial investigation showed that two large groups of teenagers were present at Bush’s Pasture Park during the incident.
Upon arrival, three teens were discovered with gunshot wounds. Sadly, 16-year-old Jose Vasquez-Valenzuela was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two injured teens, 15-year-old Damien Esquivel-Soto and an unnamed 16-year-old boy, are currently receiving medical treatment. The police have decided not to disclose the identity of the 16-year-old boy until his family has been notified.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack stated, “Our primary focus is on solving this crime, holding those responsible accountable, and seeking justice for the victims and their families. However, we must also work with the community to develop effective strategies to prevent such violence in the future.”
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting and has not yet spoken to detectives to contact the tips line at 503-588-8477, referencing case number 24-19870.