By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com
Friends and family members of two men killed in Wilton earlier this month announced this morning they have raised $7,000 to contribute to a reward for information in the case.
That brings to $8,250 the amount available for tipsters who pass along information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the March 20 fatal shootings of Marlon Maurice Aguilar Morales and Christopher Alexander Valdes.
Morales (photo top left), 18, and Valdes (photo bottom left), 19, were killed as they left a party held inside of a barn at a friend's home on Rising Road in unincorporated Sacramento County.
Sacramento County sheriff's detectives say as many as 60 people attended the party, although they have only identified and spoken to about two dozen of them. They are urging other attendees - even those who left before the shootings - to come forward.
Witnesses told detectives that the party was going smoothly and that there were no problems before partygoers began to disperse about 1:30 a.m. At that point, about a dozen people - whose connection to the partygoers remains unclear - showed up uninvited and were asked to leave, said Detective Jason Cvitanov.
The uninvited people grew angry, and at least four of them physically fought with Morales and Valdes before someone fired several shots, striking the victims. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives have not identified the shooter or the uninvited people.
Friends and family members pleaded with members of the public to help detectives identify the "cowards" responsible for the killings.
"They didn't deserve to die like this," said Claudia Barrientos, Valdes' mother.
She said she fears that the suspects could hurt other people before they are caught.
"Our children are in danger," Valdes said. "Tomorrow, it could be your son or daughter."
Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's homicide detectives at (916) 874-5057 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637. Enter "SACTIP" followed by the information.
Callers can remain anonymous.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
Previous coverage:
Two Elk Grove men shot to death outside Wilton party - March 21, 2010
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