Two more charged in shooting death

Two brothers already in custody were charged Wednesday with murder in connection with last week’s shooting death of a 10-year-old Clovis boy, District Attorney Matt Chandler said.

Chandler said evidence gathered during witness interviews and forensic testing led to the murder charges against Orlando Salas, 15, and Demetrio Salas, 19.

Both are also charged with the attempted murder of Ruben Perez, who was sleeping next to his brother when nine shots were fired through the window of their bedroom.

Carlos Perez was shot in the head and died later in the day Thursday at a Lubbock hospital. He was buried Tuesday.

Orlando Salas is being held at an undisclosed juvenile detention center while Demetrio Salas is being held at the Curry County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.

The brothers were arrested Friday on other charges related to the shooting.

Chandler said Orlando Salas will be tried as an adult.

A third brother, Edward Salas, 19, was arrested Friday and charged with murder. He is being held without bond at the detention center. Noe Torres, 26, was also charged with murder Friday but remained at large as of late Wednesday, Chandler said.

“We have information that he has been in the area in the last 48 hours,” Chandler said. “The major crime unit as well as other law enforcement personnel are working around the clock to bring him into custody.”

The Salas family could not be reached by phone Wednesday for comment.

Chandler said he could not comment on specifics of the case until it was brought before a grand jury.

He did say a white Chevrolet Suburban spotted leaving the crime scene about the time of the shooting was recovered over the weekend on Christopher Street in Clovis. Isidoro Salas, the father of the three brothers, is the registered owner of the vehicle, according to police.

Carlos Perez’ aunt, Minerba Bailon, said Wednesday night she had not heard about the murder charges filed against Orlando and Demetrio Salas.

“I want to see Orlando and all of them get the death penalty,” Bailon said. "(Isidoro) Salas says he will get a good lawyer. Let him know what it’s like to lose a son. They took our boy. They can’t take our memories away.”

CNJ staff writer Andy Jackson contributed to this report.