Two charged in Chualar murder case

UPDATE 10/6/2016 5:20 PM: The two suspects arrested in a Salinas meth lab bust and a murder case out of Chualar were in court on Thursday.

Prosecutors believe Jeffrey Madruga and Julie McClure killing Ronnie Cronn, who went missing in May.

The suspects’ arraignment was pushed back to give defense attorneys more time.

“Those attorneys requested some additional time to get the evidence, review it, prior to setting any further hearings and Judge Panetta allowed us that time,” defense attorney Jeremy Dzubay said.

The duo will be back in court on Oct. 11.

UPDATE 9/30/16 2:39 PM: Two suspects were formally charged after being arrested in Salinas during an investigation on Thursday.

Deputies said a man’s decomposed body was found near Chualar, which led them to a meth lab at a home in Salinas.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said Jeffrey Madruga and Julie McClure are charged with murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm and drug charges.

UPDATE 9/29/16 3:11 PM: A man’s decomposed body was found near Chualar Thursday after he went missing in May, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said evidence near his body led them to a meth lab inside a home near North First St. and Alhambra St. in Salinas.

Rifles, semi automatic pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were also found.

Two people are being held on a homicide charge, but haven’t been arrested yet.

Investigators said they are still searching for two more suspects. Four dogs, a cat and two koi were rescued from the home.

PREVIOUS STORY: Drug agents are investigating a meth lab in Salinas at North First St. and Alhambra St. Thursday afternoon, according to an undercover officer.

Evidence is being gathered at the scene.

KION will update this story when more information becomes available.