Salem, Oregon – Just after midnight on November 6, 2023, the unsettling sounds of screeching tires and gunshots echoed through the quiet streets near Hoover School City Park. A scene all too familiar to local residents, the corner of the park had long been claimed as territory by the Norteños gang, specifically a faction known as “Savage Block.” The fatal shooting that night would leave the community in shock and raise further questions about the growing violence tied to gang activity in the area.
On the night of the shooting, neighbors reported hearing a vehicle rapidly accelerate followed by multiple gunshots. Moments later, the lifeless body of a 15-year-old boy, later identified as the victim, was found near the park’s entrance. The young victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was fatally shot during what authorities believe was a gang-related altercation.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, police quickly responded to the scene, launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras, along with witness statements, eventually led to the identification of the shooter: a member of the local gang with known ties to the Norteños, a violent street gang with a significant presence in the region.
Authorities later apprehended and charged 21-year-old Juan Martinez, a known gang member affiliated with the “Savage Block” faction of the Norteños, with first-degree murder and other related offenses. According to police, the shooting was the result of an ongoing turf war between rival factions of the Norteños, though the exact motive remains unclear.
At a sentencing hearing held earlier this week, Martinez was sentenced to 17 years in prison for the death of the 15-year-old. During the proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence of Martinez’s history of violent behavior, including previous run-ins with the law that were linked to gang activities. The victim’s family, who appeared at the hearing, expressed their heartbreak and loss, calling for justice for the young boy who had his life taken too soon.
“This tragic incident highlights the growing problem of gang violence in our communities,” said District Attorney Claire Henderson. “While no sentence can bring back the life of this young boy, we hope today’s verdict serves as a reminder that those who engage in violent behavior will be held accountable for their actions.”
The case has raised renewed concerns among local authorities about the increasing presence of gangs in Salem, particularly in public spaces like Hoover School City Park. Gang violence has been a persistent issue in the area, with multiple incidents of shootings and other violent crimes linked to territorial disputes between rival factions.
Community leaders and law enforcement have pledged to intensify their efforts to combat gang activity, with a focus on prevention and intervention programs aimed at reaching young people before they become involved in criminal behavior. Salem police have also announced plans to increase patrols in known gang hotspots and work more closely with local organizations to offer support for at-risk youth.
“We must continue to work together to ensure that our streets are safe and that no more lives are lost to senseless violence,” said Salem Police Chief Angela Ramirez. “The death of this young boy is a tragic reminder of the work that still lies ahead, but we remain committed to making our community a safer place for everyone.”
The sentencing of Juan Martinez is seen as a small step toward justice, but for the family of the victim and the broader community, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by gang violence. With tensions still high, the hope is that the tragedy of November 6th will spark meaningful change in the fight to reduce gang-related crime in Salem.
