Two ‘dangerous’ murder suspects awaiting trial on unrelated charges escape from California jail

Two "dangerous" murder suspects escaped from a California jail on Sunday and remain on the loose, according to authorities.

Santos Fonseca, 21, and Jonathan Salazar, 20, were awaiting trial on unrelated murder charges when they bolted from the Monterey County Adult Detention Facility.

“We need the public’s help to be on the lookout” for them, the sheriff’s office said in a statement on Sunday.

Fonseca is 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, and Salazar is 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, according to the sheriff’s office. Both have black hair and brown eyes, and have been in custody since 2018.

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“An investigation is underway to determine their means of escape but, at this time, we can provide no details on that topic,” the sheriff’s office said. “Take a good look at the attached photographs. If you see these men, call 911 immediately. Do not approach them as they are considered dangerous.”

The last escape from the jail took place five years ago, according to TV station KION. An inmate had climbed out of a ventilation duct at the rehab center in the facility.

“It’s just scary that you never know who is out there,” Prunedale resident Kathy Lett told KION. “You have to take precautions all the time, not just when a breakout happens. It’s a good practice to have your purse next to you in the car and your doors locked.”

Authorities are expected to provide additional details during a press conference on Monday. Anyone with information can contact the sheriff’s office at (831) 755-3722.