3 Arrested in Fatal Carlsbad Shooting

Sahagun, 63, died early Friday morning

Two men and a woman inside an Oceanside motel were arrested Saturday morning in connection to a fatal Friday shooting of a 63-year-old Carlsbad man.

Carlsbad officers executed a search warrant at about 4 a.m. at a Motel 6 room at 3708 Plaza Dr. and detained Grant Hunter, 23, Mercedes Yorba, 19, and Gary Gomez, 27.

After further investigation, Hunter and Yorba were arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of homicide, residential robbery and burglary.

Gomez was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to homicide and possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation for more suspects has not yet been closed, police said.

Michael Michel Sahagun was found at about 1 a.m. Friday inside a detached garage at 3556 Valley St., just a few blocks from Carlsbad High School.

Contrary to earlier reports that Sahagun was stabbed, the Medical Examiner's Office determined he died from suffering a shotgun wound to the chest.

Residents of the nearby home and neighbors heard some type of commotion and called 911. When officers arrived, they found Sahagun bleeding in the garage. Carlsbad firefighters soon arrived and pronounced Sahagun dead at the scene.

Homicide investigators went door-to-door talking to neighbors who may have seen or heard something. Several witnesses were taken to the police station for questioning.

Police issued an alert Friday for a vehicle carrying palm trees in its bed in connection with the apparent homicide.

"We asked the citizens' assistance in locating ... a silver truck that may have landscape material or equipment in it," said Lt. Bruce May of the Carlsbad Police Department.

Police said the investigation continues and ask the public to provide any information which would lead to the vehicle or more suspects.

Sahagun was the home's owner, according to police records.

"It's really a mixed neighborhood, but mostly it's really quiet families; it's unusual," said neighbor Bill Barker.

Valley Street was closed from Brady Circle north to Chestnut during the early investigation Friday.

A neighbor told NBC San Diego the property was also occupied by Sahagun's son.

The Carlsbad Police Department requests any person with information regarding this incident to call (760) 931-2197.

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