Watsonville police investigating shooting at restaurant that killed two

A 4-year-old girl was fatally shot in WatsonvilleFriday night in an incident that also killed a 34-year-old man.

Watsonville police officers and theSanta Cruz Gang Task Force responded to the Fish House Bar and Grill for a report of a fight at 11:55 p.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, officers heard multiple gun shots.

“We were told that it was a fight, and officers arrived and when they arrived they did in fact, encounter a disturbance. They heard shots fired and then realized shortly after that – that someone had been shot,” said Watsonville Police Lt. Jorge Zamora.

Three victims were shot in total; two were killed.

The child, 4, struck by gunfire was transported to the Watsonville Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

“We’re still investigating the case. It’s a very complex case and very tragic case,” said Lt. Zamora. “We do believe that it was a stray bullet.”

The second victim, a 34-year-old Watsonville resident, was found on the ground near the front of the Valley Inn Motel.

Thethird victim, a 26-year-old Watsonville man, was transported to the hospital for treatment of a non-fatal gunshot wound. Police believe he and the girl were in the back office of the restaurant when they were caught in crossfire.

Police initially took two men into custody after a short chase. One was later released but 31-year-old Michael Escobar remains in custody on suspicion of murder.

The investigation is still underway.But right nowthe community is thinking only of the innocent life that was lost, a four year old girl killed at her family’s place of business.

“They’re in our hearts, and we’re thinking about them. There is a law enforcement joint effort right now to really get to the bottom of this. “said Lt. Zamora.

Watsonville police ask anyone with information about this incident to call the department or leave an anonymous tip by calling 768-3544.