Gonzales Resident Arrested on Murder Charges Following 911 Emergency Call
GONZALES, CA — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 66-year-old Gonzales man on murder charges following a 911 call placed late Friday night. On February 13, 2026, at approximately 9:27 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a report from a male caller stating that his wife was bleeding and that the cause of the injury was unknown. Deputies responded to the scene at a residence located in the 28000 block of Carr Road, situated just outside the Gonzales city limits.
Upon arrival, law enforcement located an adult female with a severe laceration. While fire and ambulance personnel provided medical intervention and transported her to a local trauma center, she later died from her injuries. The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Carmen Vega Tapia of Gonzales.
The caller, identified as 66-year-old Pablo Villasenor, was detained by detectives and taken to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. During the investigation, authorities noted that Villasenor was also bleeding and determined he had sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He received treatment at a local hospital and was subsequently released.
Following the execution of a search warrant at the residence, investigators recovered a firearm and a knife. Officials believe both weapons were used during the incident. Villasenor was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail for murder. The Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation remains active and has requested that anyone with relevant information contact their department.
