Convicted Felon Wanted In Killing of Ex-Wife

A Cathedral City man was on the run Monday, wanted in connection with the death of his ex-wife. Officers responded to a shooting at around 10:45 p.m. Sunday on the 67300 block of Peineta Road in Cathedral City, where one person was found dead.

Law enforcement swarmed the house. But, they arrived shortly after shots were fired.

“Anytime you have a tragic situation like this, it’s never pretty,” said Lt. Chuck Robinson, with Cathedral City Police Department.

Authorities found Rebecca Zavala, 46, dead upon entering the scene. Investigators say that her 18-year-old son got lucky. The suspect, Salvador Contreras, 46, fired his weapon at the boy before fleeing the scene.

Contreras was Zavala’s ex-husband. But, they were still in a relationship and living together.

“It’s really unfortunate,” said Samantha Strebe, a concerned neighbor.

“Since they’ve moved in [their house], hasn’t been very quiet,” said Robert Ball, a neighbor.

News Channel 3 spoke with several neighbors up and down the streets, but most of them declined our interview requests simply because they didn’t know the family. But, what they do know is that Contreras and Zavala haven’t lived in the neighborhood long. But, they have been living a loud lifestyle. There are beer boxes and cans scattered around in front of the house.

Family members tell investigators that there wasn’t an altercation prior to the shooting.

“So, at this point in time, all we have is normal interaction between the family,” said Robinson. “No typical domestic violence, argument – nothing leading up to the actual shooting. [It] just came as a complete shock for the family.”

But, not for neighbors, who suspect alcohol and possibly drugs could have played a role.

“Something was going to happen,” said Ball. “I knew because of all the people hanging out over there.”

Contreras is a convicted felon and previously served time in prison. Authorities believe he is heading toward the border where he has family.

“He is a danger to the community,” said Robinson. “We ask for everyone’s assistance in helping us locate him.”