Four charged connection with death of 34-year-old man in Salton City

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Four people were charged in connection with the murder of a 34-year-old man whose body was found in Salton City last week.

Authorities found the body of Pedro Montes Jr., 34, on the morning of May 17 near Plaza Avenue and Panorama Avenue in Salton City. Investigators determined the scene appeared suspicious. The sheriff’s investigations unit, scientific investigations unit, and coroner’s office took over the case.

Four suspects were arrested in the Salton City area on Tuesday morning, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office announced. They were originally scheduled to be arraigned in court at the El Centro Courthouse on Thursday, however, the hearing was delayed to Friday, court records show.

Investigators first located Andrew Edward Gallegos, 55, who was arrested at his place of employment. Court records show he was charged with murder, felon in possession of firearm, person prohibited in possession of ammunition, and destroying evidence.

Two other suspects, Robert Gallegos, 57, and Crystal Vanessa Hernandez, 37, were arrested at a residence in the 2400 block of Shore Hawk Avenue. The fourth suspect, Blanca Estela Robles, 53, was arrested at a business near the Shore Hawk residence. The trio was each charged with accessory after the fact and destroying evidence.

All four suspects are being held on $1 million bail at the Imperial County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Aguirre with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office at (442) 265-2046.