Victim of fatal Lemon Grove shooting identified; suspect arrested

East County News Service

Update September 9, 2024: The victim has been identified as Diego Omar Valera-Trujillo. A suspect, Joshua Gonzalez, 27, was arrested near his home on Lincoln Ave. in Lemon Grove. He is charged with murder.

September 8, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – A 21-year-old man has died in hospital after being shot multiple times in Lemon Grove last night.

Sheriff's officers were on Lemon Grove Avenue when they heard multiple gunshots at 11:34 p.m. While checking the business district, they were notified that a group of people were arguing in the 3100 block of School Lane. Officers searched the area and found the victim. They provided medical aid until the Heartland Fire Department arrived and transported the victim to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim's name is being withheld until positive identification by the coroner.

Sheriff's Homicide Investigators are working to gather additional information to determine the circumstances and motive of this death. The investigation is ongoing.

“There is currently no confirmed information on the suspect,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or (858) 285-6232 during after hours. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.