Pair released in Yuba City shooting death

Two people arrested over the weekend in connection with the shooting death of their roommate have been released from jail without charges, but police are not saying whether they are still suspects in the homicide.

Jedidiah Jose Salazar and Maria Christina Velasco were booked into the Sutter County Jail on Saturday on suspicion of being accessories to murder after the fact in the death of Michael Suarez.

Neither Salazar, 24, nor Velasco, 22, were accused of killing Suarez, but officers on Saturday said neither one had been ruled out as a potential suspect.

Both Salazar and Velasco were released from jail on Sunday by Yuba City police investigators. Citing the ongoing investigation, police on Tuesday declined to discuss the reason for the release.

"The investigators felt it was the most appropriate action at this time," police spokeswoman Shawna Pavey said.

Pavey declined to comment on whether Salazar and Velasco are still under investigation.

Suarez, 26, died early Saturday at his home at 157 Del Monte Ave., the victim of multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. An autopsy was conducted Monday, however authorities have not released the results.

Officers received a report of shots fired around 12:30 a.m. and followed a blood trail to Suarez's home. Police found Suarez on the floor in his garage.

Police said Saturday the likelihood of gang involvement in Suarez's death was "very high."

Neighbors described a large party at the home that had been going on for several hours. Police were called to the home multiple times in the hours leading up to the violence. Before the shooting started, neighbors said, a large brawl erupted outside the home involving about 20 people.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.