Jorge M. Zavala Estrella dies in fatal Mendocino County shooting

Jorge M. Zavala Estrella dies in fatal Mendocino County shooting

Fatal Mendocino County shooting death of Jorge M. Zavala Estrella – Obituary

Jorge M. Zavala Estrella, a 30-year-old man from Vallecito in Amador County, was identified as the individual killed in a shooting incident earlier this month near an illegal cannabis grow in Mendocino County. Authorities say the shooting occurred on May 14, close to Covelo, located about 180 miles north of San Francisco.

Deputies responded to a disconnected 911 call that night, in which a man briefly asked for help for a friend. The call was traced to an area along Mina Road. While deputies searched the location, others went to Adventist Health in Ukiah, where a man with gunshot wounds had arrived for treatment.

As the search continued, a group of individuals informed deputies that an unresponsive man had been found a mile away on Hulls Valley Road. Authorities located the victim, later confirmed to be Zavala Estrella, lying near two vehicles. He was declared dead at 12:42 a.m. on May 15, with multiple gunshot wounds cited as the preliminary cause of death.

At the scene, several firearms and spent shell casings were recovered. Investigators followed a blood trail leading to a large illegal marijuana grow site, which included hoop houses and trailers.

Later, a second and third gunshot victim were located and airlifted to medical centers outside Mendocino County. Authorities believe all three men were injured in the same event.

By May 20, deputies reported uncovering evidence tying the site to a drug trafficking organization. However, further details have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (Option 1) or provide anonymous tips at 707-234-2100.