Suspect Arrested in Death of DoorDash Driver Found in Tesla Trunk
Manuel Salceda faces murder charges in connection with the beating death of Javier Becerril Jr., whose body was discovered in a Tesla sedan.
Authorities have arrested a suspect in the death of a DoorDash driver whose body was found in the trunk of a Tesla in Merced County, California. Manuel Salceda, 39, of Turlock, is facing murder charges.
Javier Becerril Jr., 42, of Hollister, was discovered dead on July 9 inside the Tesla sedan on State Route 152. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that an investigation revealed Becerril had been physically assaulted before his body was placed in the vehicle.
The arrest of Salceda on Oct. 11 followed a three-month investigation by the CHP’s Central Division Major Crimes Unit. Investigators utilized surveillance footage, physical evidence, and other leads to identify and locate the suspect. Detectives also learned that Salceda may have used multiple identities in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
The trail leading to Salceda's arrest spanned several Bay Area counties before concluding at a gas station on Road 8 near Interstate 5 in Woodland. He was apprehended without incident.
CHP Chief Damon Gilmore stated, "As California’s state police, the CHP is committed to pursuing violent offenders and working with our law enforcement partners to bring those responsible to justice." He added, "Our detectives tracked the evidence across multiple counties to locate and arrest the suspect in Javier Becerril Jr.’s killing."
Becerril's family had reported him missing prior to the discovery of his body. The circumstances surrounding his death quickly raised suspicions, prompting investigators to treat the case as a homicide.
Investigators also examined the Tesla's onboard computer system for data or video that could aid in identifying those responsible.
Salceda was arraigned on murder charges in Merced County Superior Court on Oct. 20.