GANG MEMBER ARRESTED FOR DEADLY SPRING VALLEY SHOOTING

East County News Service

August 3, 2023 (Spring Valley) -- A suspect was arrested on August 1 for a July 4 shooting that killed one man and injured another in Spring Valley. The suspect is  a gang member with a criminal record.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on July 4, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting a shooting in the 2700 block of Central Avenue. Fernardo Kevin Villegas, 25, was found in the street with several gunshot wounds to his torso. Despite medical aid provided by deputies and medical personnel, he died of his injuries.

A second victim, Kaulana “Dustin” Hernandez Liu, arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm; he was treated and released.

“Liu and Villegas arrived at the location because a friend of theirs was hosting a party,” says Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura with the Sheriff’s homicide unit.  “When they got out of their vehicle there was a group of people standing in the area. Almost immediately, Liu and Villegas were shot by one of the members of that group.”

 The suspect was later identified as 20-year-old Trevion G'shon Austin. “Austin is a documented Eastside Piru gang member on juvenile probation for stabbing a victim,” Lt. Jarjura states.

Austin is charged with murder and attempted murder.

At this stage of the investigation, the nature of the relationship between the victims and any potential suspect(s) is unclear. The motivation and circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation,  Lt. Jarjura says.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 565-5200.  You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.