Three suspects wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a 63-year-old Carlsbad man were arrested Monday in Serra Mesa, according to police.
San Diego police assisted Carlsbad police as they served a warrant at a home in the 2200 block of Ron Way just after 5.30 p.m. Monday.
The warrant was in connection to the death of Michael Sahagun, found April 1 inside a detached garage at 3556 Valley St., just a few blocks from Carlsbad High School.
The day after Sahagun's body was discovered, officers arrested Grant Hunter, 23, Mercedes Yorba, 19, and Gary Gomez, 27 at a motel room at 3708 Plaza Dr. in connection with the homicide.
On Monday, April 11, officers arrested Joseph Verkade, Heather Strauch and Michael Gault on charges of homicide, robbery and conspiracy. Verkade also faces charges of burglary.
The suspects were booked into the Vista Detention Facility according to police.
Contrary to earlier reports that Sahagun was stabbed; the medical examiner determined he died from suffering a shotgun wound to the chest.
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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.
Hunter and Yorba pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted burglary and robbery, according to our media partners the North County Times. Gomez faces charges of helping the pair after the crime according to prosecutors.
The Carlsbad Police Department requests that any person with information regarding this incident, please call 760-931-2197.
