The manhunt for a suspected killer in the South Bay could soon be over and an unusual request from the victim's family may lead to a peaceful arrest.
21-year-old Marcella Peraza was killed a week and a half ago at a birthday party in Encanto when an uninvited guest opened fire on a crowd.
Police have issued a warrant for 19-year-old Christopher Sanchez’s arrest.
Peraza’s mother and stepfather -- together with their pastor, Miles McPherson of the Rock church and San Diego Police Chief William Landsdowne – are asking for an end to the bloodshed. They said there were rumblings within the community about retribution on Sanchez - who has apparently already been identified by several people. They say they don't want another mother or father to experience the heartache that they are dealing with.
Police have issued a warrant for Sanchez’s arrest and they're working with his attorney to negotiate surrender.
Sanchez frequents areas of Lemon Grove and Encanto, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
