Press Release: MCSO Arrests Suspect for Murder After 911 Call

DATE/TIME: 2/14/2026 at 11:00 AM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Gonzales Man for Murder Following 911 Call

LOCATION: 28000 block of Carr Road, Gonzales, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

Deputies with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 66-year-old man for murder after he called 911 to report a medical emergency involving his wife late Friday night.

On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 9:27 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a man who stated his wife was bleeding and he did not know what had happened. Deputies responded to a residence in the 28000 block of Carr Road, just outside the city limits of Gonzales.

Upon arrival, deputies located an adult female suffering from a severe laceration. Fire and ambulance personnel immediately began life-saving measures before transporting her to a local trauma center. Despite medical efforts, the victim tragically succumbed to her injuries. She has been identified as 60-year-old Carmen Vega Tapia of Gonzales.

Detectives detained the caller, identified as 66-year-old Pablo Villasenor of Gonzales, and transported him to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. During their contact, detectives observed that Villasenor was bleeding and discovered he had sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released.

Detectives subsequently obtained and served a search warrant at the residence. During the search, investigators recovered a firearm and a knife, both believed to have been used in the incident.

Villasenor was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail for murder.

This remains an active investigation. No additional details are being released at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.