You don't know what happened. >> You don't know that somebody died? >> I think someone died. >> You're ready to face a homicide charge? >> I'm ready to go against it. >> This is 16-year-old Cruz Medina. Right now, this young teenager has just realized he is about to spend decades behind bars for the murder of 18-year-old Jada Gonzalez. A crime that he thinks is a complete joke. >> Oh my god, I was so scared. And as he continues to flaunt his criminal past, >> I have four armed robberies, aggravated battery, aggravated assault. I don't know if I should say that. >> What Cruz doesn't know is that through a web of gang connections and CCTV, detectives are already honing in on the truth of what happened, proving just how sick this 16-year-old really is. >> Actually, they have video of you getting out of the small vehicle. when you get out there, they'll fire on you. And I'm just saying it's all over. You're so stupid. >> So, do you feel like how does your How do you think your mom looks at you? Do you think she's disappointed with you? >> On December 18th, 2022, police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, raced to a home on the west side of the city after calls poured in regarding a shooting at a house party. 18-year-old Jada Gonzalez, who was celebrating receiving a full ride to college for the coming year, had been struck by a bullet that managed to pass through three layers of wall. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically passed away. Very quickly, partygoers, neighborhood cameras, and social media accounts fed police the story bit by bit. Four people, one of whom was 16-year-old Cruz Medina, had been kicked out of the party after getting caught by the owner of the home flashing guns and taking photos and videos with them. Immediately after they were kicked out, the teens fired on the house out of anger. Fortunately, it didn't take long for police to lock in on Cruz and bring him in for questioning. >> Hey, Cruz. How's it going? My name is John. We're going to go in here and talk for a second. >> Yeah. You go in right in here and then take a seat on the right hand side. You feel comfortable back there or you want to get a little closer? You all right? Kind of cold. Cold. Sorry, brother. >> [snorts] >> Both officers get Cruz settled in and read him his rights, which at this age he's shockingly familiar with because Cruz, well, don't let the glasses, loving family, and haircut fool you. He thinks of himself as a total gangster. >> Um, so with those rights in mind, do you wish to speak with us? Okay. And that's [snorts] so what's going to happen from here is I can't talk to you anymore about what you want about any questions or anything like that. Okay. Um just to let you know taking your phone search warrant. Um and that's all tell you right now. Um >> you could charges. >> So right now you have a warrant for robbery and robbery for with another weapon. And then you also have new charges today which are going to be um receiving transferring to what vehicle that is. >> Okay. And then you guys search war on the room. Um and then that's going to be some other stuff and there you might have additional terms and other things later that I can't discuss with you right now because you wanted you said no you don't want to talk. >> So I can't really talk to you about anything anything like that. Well, I'll talk about it whenever you like say anything about that much. >> We [clears throat and snorts] can talk about whatever you want. Okay? You can tell us what you want to talk about. Okay? But when you [clears throat] say, "I don't want to talk." [snorts] That's a little bit different. I want to talk about that's cool. But I do want to make sure that you understand that you don't have neither your parents or guardians and you don't have your care president on and that if you want to talk to us, you can always say, "I want to talk to you guys." Okay, then we can still continue to talk. Um, and you can ask us questions and we can ask you questions. Um, and it kind of goes well. So, what would you like to talk about? >> Whatever the Soviet look. >> Okay. that we can't answer because we those are not hard charges against you. So, I don't think we can take that's a that was a felony warrant that was already filed, which means um they got an arrest warrant or went to grand jury or whatever whatever the the procedure the procedures you wanted. So, we really can't answer that question if that's fair enough with you. It's because it's not our charges. Does that make sense? There is um for your charges of receiving transferring, there is a detective um that could speak with you about those charges. Um if you would like to speak with him after we talk, it's up to you. >> I'm just wondering whatever the aggravated assault could be. >> Yeah. >> You know what? Do you know what aggravating assault weapon means? >> It could be from anywhere like what point they're going to hurt somebody or somebody. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> I just don't Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean there's there we partnership. We did a search warrant on the room. Let's not hide around the bush. Okay. You're you're you're a young guy, but you're smart guy. I can tell already. Okay. There was guns in there, right? So, obviously that's question that we would like to ask him. You know, which which guns were yours? Which guns did you touch? Which ones what was going on there? Because we don't know what's involved with all those guns. Yeah. Does that [clears throat] make sense? [snorts] So, I mean, are you able to answer that? Like, which guns cuz we're going to test all these guns and we're going to swap them for DNA or for print. And [snorts and groaning] like I said, we're going to get a standard from you. It may not be tonight because you're going to go to jail, but it might be in the next couple of days. >> So, we try to use this opportunity to talk to people and say, "Hey, come just come with what you what you touch." You know, sometimes it's for a photo, sometimes it's to mess around to, you know, kind of get the feel of it. I don't know. You tell us any of those lenses you touch in there. Have I touch? >> Yeah. >> None of them at all. Okay. Um, [snorts] just keep in mind also, I should tell you this. Um, you know, I touched one. >> Okay. Which one was it that you touched? I wait for >> Okay. Cuz there was there was like four. I think there five maybe maybe four. I think there was four total. Do you know which one that do you know where it was at in the room? >> It was like throughout the day. >> Throughout the day. Okay. Um do you remember the color? Cuz if that again that that helps us if we have four guns and [snorts] you saying only one of them should have your prince or DNA on it >> and none of the other ones. >> Yeah. Okay. Um and this is the way I like to talk to people honest. I I respect people and I I'll I'll believe you until you give me a reason not to believe you. Okay? So if you're being honest with me, I'll believe you, bro. >> It's okay. I mean it doesn't matter if you believe me the judge believe. >> Well, yeah, but what's going to happen is if I believe you that you're saying one right now, but we find evidence that you touched on four, what do you think the judge is going to believe at that point? >> As you'll see, Cruz is no stranger to guns whatsoever. He even has one in his Facebook profile description because what's more gangster than a teenager putting a little water pistol on their page. Cruz, however, had been in a plethora of trouble in the past. As you're about to hear, he had been released from the New Mexico Youth Detention Center just weeks before the shooting, but he didn't use that time in the YDC to grow and reflect. He used it as time to gain street cred and make more friends to commit crimes with. >> Leave that room. How long did you do time in for YC or GDC? >> Uh, all together. >> Two years straight. Or was it like broken up? >> Straight. straight or I got committed in two years and I did that straight and then JC probably called together. >> Um, how long have you been have you been out for a while or >> I got released July or June 23rd? But then I had violated back October 20th. >> What was the um, if you don't mind me asking and then you don't say, what did you going to YC or JDC for the two years? What was the charges there? >> Okay. So they had me on parole and then so my ankle basic I I let it die at night and I would go out and then they saw they found pictures of me on Facebook with guns and drugs and alcohol. >> Mhm. What was the initial charge that you were in there for? >> The initial charge? >> Yeah. You know, you have to go in there before they put you on the ankle bracelet and you're on parole. What was the initial charge that you were commission? >> Yeah. >> All guns. Four armed robberies, aggravated battery ass. >> Holy cow. That's >> Where did you guys run off to? You and your homie. >> Where did we run off to? >> Cuz that we have on officer video when he pulled up. And you guys [clears throat] went back. >> Oh my god, it was so scary. >> Oh, why was that scary? You were the ones running. >> No, you should have seen like like did you see the video? >> Yeah. >> Oh my god. Like I I pointed the gun when he pulled up. Oh, that I didn't see it cuz the video >> the video doesn't start like he can't pick that up on the video as he's pulling up >> cuz um at that point I was I was putting the beam on any car I seen drive by and um I seen a car creeping up right there. So, I kind of rush to the side like where they can't see me. >> Oh, the dirt area. >> And I pop out. I see it's a cop. And then I ran to the back of the car and then I look like And then he's like, "You with the backpack, but you have to." And I had a whole truck in my hand with the Glock that's like this long. The Glock that has like this model. >> The one that's in the picture. >> Yeah. And um >> I do have the >> Did you have a backpack? >> Huh? >> Or Okay. You had another gun in my back. >> Okay. >> And I was and I put him to my legs and I do and I [clears throat] start running off. You know, with the glasses and General Milhouse vibe, you'd expect Cruz to be a little smart. But, uh, clearly not the case here, because getting arrested not long after you fired multiple rounds at a house full of teenagers partying would definitely be on my radar is a crash dummy move, and just a plain dummy one. There were five people total in the vehicle, and Cruz is actually one of the last that they're speaking with. >> Would What would you say if I told you that? Um, yeah, I think probably what what about the vehicle that you were in today. Okay. Um, like I said, there's obviously enough charges and and I talked to the detective. He's an old buddy of mine. Okay. He's an auto theft detective. I did a lot of auto theft at one time, >> but what's his name? >> I told it was the same one >> that arrested you last time. >> The last time >> for for small vehicles. How many stone have you been and that you didn't? >> Well, okay. Let me ask you that you've been arrested for >> there's two different cases. >> Okay. >> And then it was like the day after and then today it was a swag and armed robbery and aggravated and transfer vehicles with both of the cases. >> And this was how long ago? >> Uh 2020. >> Okay. So it's been a while now. So, this kind of extended to you going into being committed into YDC or do you call it YDC or JDBC? >> Uh, call it YDC. >> YDC. Okay. Um, so I think that's what kind of drew the attention was a stolen vehicle. Okay. Um, and and actually they have video of you getting out of the stolen vehicle. I'll just be very honest. You know that already. Okay. But when you get out, you have a firearm on you, man. I was just video back. Um, is that the only firearm that you touched? The one that you put on your >> Okay. And [snorts] now the other guys that you're with, they were in the car. There was two females and then another male. Who are those people? >> My girlfriend. >> Okay. What's your girlfriend's name? Which one was your girlfriend? >> Nia. >> Nia. >> Yeah. >> How do you spell Nia? >> N I Y A H. >> N A A Y. N A Y A H. >> Yeah. >> How long have you guys been boyfriend girlfriend? >> A few weeks. It can be four weeks. >> Eight weeks. >> Like two maybe. >> About two weeks. >> Okay. Like uh let's say um New Year's this way or before New Year's? Uh Christmas this way or before Christmas? >> So after Christmas. >> Okay. So after Christmas, you know how long my bro? >> Yeah. 16. >> Mhm. >> 15. >> Mhm. >> 14. >> Mhm. >> 13. >> 13. >> Yeah. >> No, it's 13. >> 13. >> Yeah. I heard some [ __ ] about that. >> Okay. Um, where did you hear that from? >> 13. For real? >> Yeah. We talked to her. We talked to her mom today. >> Are you sure? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Pretty nice. >> Yeah. Pretty nice. But yeah, she and she rolled in like crazy, bro. She was like drunk doctors. They were rolling back like crazy. But talk to your mom. >> My mom? >> No. Talk to her mom. >> What would happen if you talk to your mom, bro? I'm so scared, too. >> Why? Why? Why? Why you scared your mom? Cuz I disag. [snorts] Tell me about that. What do you mean you messed up? And I don't think that's so much the past few years. I'm sorry, man. It seems like you're trying, bro. Honestly, >> I'm going to be real with you, man, cuz I can see the emotion with you. Like, it seems like you're trying. You're probably just hanging out with the wrong crew, man. >> And I don't know how you get caught up with these guys. before they're putting me in like these two I know from YBC like I met with them cuz I know from Joe I don't know [snorts] >> if I was in his position I'd be scared of my mom too in Cruz's case that fear clearly isn't enough to stop him from doing stupid stuff with no dad in the picture his mom worked as a bartender to support him and his two sisters which unfortunately didn't allow her to be around very much. There were several cases, primarily between his parents, regarding battery and domestic violence, which paints a picture of an upbringing that involves some struggles to say the least. Now, that doesn't mean Cruz had to perpetuate them because thankfully we couldn't even find a parking ticket on his older sister's record. >> You tell me why you feel like you have to hate. Tell me about that. What do you mean? I don't know. Um, I just have this like a [snorts] lot of people like me. >> A lot of people like you and a lot of people hate you for >> So there are you do you have a personality like either I hate you or I like you is there any? >> Yeah. Basically like I don't know. It's just people see me as like a I don't know just cuz I threaten. Do do you cuz you seem pretty chill here man. Do you go kind of localster? Can you >> Is that why they It's nice to live. >> Do they have a certain amount of respect because you did the two years or they just afraid of you or they're challenging you? What do you think? >> Oh, probably challenging me. [ __ ] should I do? >> What is it that you do, bro? >> Just on the highway just switching means >> it's just it's so scary and so fun. >> How about when the the lights come on behind you? What do you love to do that? >> That's the worst part. >> That's something old Cruz here and I can agree on. The detective continues to play buddy buddy with him. And as heinous as his crime is, it's sad how clear it is that he needs this conversation. He admits that he's been driving illegally on the streets of the city since he was 11. He has no license and no ID card, but he's already gotten picked up for stealing cars multiple times. And yet he was out on the streets again doing just that. >> So, um, your ops have have you been shot at in the last week? >> Yeah, by the How about the last two weeks? I have not been out >> since you've been out. So, nothing. Not in any of the vehicles that you've been in. Have they ever been shot up? >> Not at all. >> Okay, that's good. It's a big thing. >> Yeah. [clears throat] Really? Is it really surprising? >> Oh, you know what? >> When did you get shot at? cuz I wouldn't remember that shot. I was shot before. I can tell you the date and the time. March 25th, 2005. That's when I got shot at. >> It was a Friday. >> It was a Friday. >> Um, when the odds come against you like that, does do you guys ever say you guys, I'm talking about the generation that kind of people you rolling with now, even when this happened. How do you guys do you guys you know I'm private military okay? So I'm used to somebody does um act like right read right away somebody claims responsibility like hey I did that. Um I've seen that in my experience as law enforcement. I've been doing this for almost 20 years bro so I see sometimes yeah I did that. when it's against the odds. How how do you guys do that? Is that something that's so done or not? >> Not with me. I literally like I literally try so hard like when everybody goes out I stay in like I I try to put myself in like good situations lately. But >> like [clears throat] all these kids doing houses that's why I don't like that's literally all I do. If someone knows where someone lives and they don't mind, they're getting shot at. That's literally all they do. >> Oh man. That's why I stay away from all this like this and this drama. It's just it's just so stupid. All they do is go houses. They won't shoot each other. I guess they do. But I stay before I say find a girlfriend. You got to find a girlfriend. >> [laughter] >> At this point in the interrogation, Cruz begins to talk about gang affiliations, making statements about being part of Seablock with plausible deniability. He seems to think that he's mastered the art of not incriminating himself. But he's going to learn real quick, this ain't juvie. This is the real deal. >> How have you ever shot somebody you didn't know about? >> Did I know about? charges people. >> You do have charges. >> Yeah. >> Since you got out or from before. >> Okay. So, those are the charges. But you've already you've already done the time on that. >> Yeah. >> So, you were probably 14 when all that happened. [snorts] You got you got to remember now um Cruz that you're 16 now, right? >> [snorts] >> So it's not the same when you were 14. Okay. >> Yeah. So my first case, it was so weird. They let me out on two weeks. It was when I I shot someone, too. They let me out in two weeks. Caught CCP. I was like, "All right." They didn't do nothing. And like I took a plethor's probation and I thought it was a joke. Obviously, I only caught a case like maybe two years. >> Yeah. >> You're right. And it's probably because of your age. >> Yeah. That's cuz I guess at 13 they count charges you as a youth >> and [clears throat] then at 14 it's just >> 14 you can go either way 15 16 you're now you do something major you can get charged as an adult okay you got to consider that man >> would you consider my charge right now major >> yeah and I think you know this is the opportunity we give to people okay I'm going to ask you some very direct questions now because um again you have the right to not answer or whatever you we we've done that offline. Okay. But beyond the stolen vehicle tonight beyond um what you probably within the last few days and we probably have some more information that you've been doing the last few days. >> What Cruz has been doing the past few days is suspicious to say the least. primarily jumping nervously from hotel room to hotel room with the others involved in the crime, trying his hardest not to look suspicious and as a result doing the exact opposite. >> I can tell you that you were up at the super evil channel up there by the airport. Um there's some things that happened there. Okay. >> Super evil over there off and >> what was it? You said I brought a new >> I forgot what that one was called. >> Yeah, but I know you were up super and a G. What do you call someone? >> Sto. So you're in a sto by the the airport. But beyond all that, okay, let's kind of go beyond some of those. All those are going to kind of pan out and they're going to those are not major charges. small vehicle, you know, well, shooting out from a motor vehicle is a for felony, you know, but still still not as bad as as shooting somebody and and hurting them, >> you know, and I think that you're smart enough and you're wise enough that we're getting to a point in this conversation that I I have to ask you, we're not here for a stolen vehicle. We're not here for you know >> you know what we're here for. [clears throat] >> I mean I don't know what you're here for exactly. I just know it's not for >> Okay. What makes you think it's >> cuz I haven't seen you here for so long. >> All right. So what we're dealing with Okay. And I I need you to be honest cuz this is an opportunity for you. >> Yeah. I heard you guys were here to talk about 10 or something. >> Okay, we're here about a shooting that involved when you got shot at. >> 100. I can [clears throat] tell you where your car and who was in that car. I can tell you that right now. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you already know. And I know where you were at because we picked up the car from there. Police showed up because of you and your [snorts] buddy, your homie took off running. All right. So, all this is familiar to you. We know that you were up on the east side where there was another shooting. Yeah. They rolled up on you and you guys shot at got shot at 100. >> Wait, what? >> Yeah. Remember how you were talking you got shot at by by some cars? By a car. >> Yeah. But you're talking about Were you on the side or side? >> So the one that you just said right now that the reason why you should >> Yeah. The one that Yeah, that one. That's the first one. What you just said? >> Yeah. >> I just don't I was on the east side, but >> it's on the west side. >> Yep. Yep. And then you and your homie ran and you left the other homie there, the one that you don't like. >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, fast forward that a little bit. Where were you guys at before that? >> Where were we at? >> Before that happened. Before you guys party and what happened in multiple ways. >> Okay. What happened at the first party? [snorts] >> Nothing. Okay. Where was that party at? >> Was it east side, west side? >> It was on the west the east side. We had to go all the way to the west side. >> East side. Okay. When you guys came to the west side, what happened at that party? >> Um, and be real, bro. >> We got kicked out and then I don't know. I just heard shooting [clears throat] and I ran to the car. I just heard shooting. It was coming from on the balcony and then from someone else and I just ran into the car and left. Okay. >> What kind of vehicle were you in, bro? >> Uh, at first I was in my home. I don't know what it is. >> Okay. When you left the party, when the shooting is [clears throat] happening, what were you in? >> I think it was like a Honda. It was like a Nissan. Yes. Yes. [clears throat] Cruz. I This is an opportunity. Okay. I I believe that you want to you want to do what's right because >> No, I'm telling you, I left in our car, but I met up with them afterwards. >> You met up with the people? Which people? the people that [clears throat] outside got shot at. >> You met up with them? Where did you meet up with them? >> Uh cuz your cell phone just >> just on the road. Just on the road. >> Yeah, just right there. >> No. Come on. I followed you. >> So what what kind >> Okay. Then you said you heard shooting. Um, >> so then what happened after you heard the shooting? >> Nothing. [clears throat] A lot of people came running out of the house and then everybody is trying to leave me. >> And then you said that um you just said something that when they followed you after shooting. >> I followed them. >> You followed them? Okay. >> What kind of vehicle were you following? >> I don't know if it's a scack or a helicopter. I'm not really cartoon pack or a hellack or a hell. >> A hell like a dog. >> What color? >> Black. [sighs] >> What color rims? >> Rims on my >> So, at what point did you jump into that vehicle? >> Um, like right after that happened kind of and and [clears throat] like I saw him on the road there and I just [ __ ] jumped in. >> Where? where >> just down the street like right there like you guys know the street it's like a long kind of road. >> So I'm going to be honest with you, bro, cuz we didn't just didn't get here by accident. We've been doing a lot of work on that shooting. Okay. [clears throat] Do you know what happened in that shooting? >> You don't know what happened? You don't know that somebody died? >> I think someone died. >> Well, that's something. Like, oh, I don't know. You know what I'm saying? Did you know that person that died? >> There really aren't enough words to describe how incredible Jada Gonzalez was. Just hours before she was senselessly killed, she had been making posters to promote the local library. She not only worked at a barber shop for kids, she worked as a camp counselor at the city community center. Her full ride to Texas Christian University was meant to be a stepping stone towards accomplishing her dream job of becoming a neonatal doctor, but that was taken away from her [music] in the blink of an eye for no reason whatsoever. >> Who's responsible for that tree? [clears throat] Daniel, >> you know exactly who's responsible for that tree. And you're in the vehicle with your buddies. Yeah, cuz you guys go from there all the way to the east side where you guys got set up by the drone and then you guys came over back to the west side. We have all this on location. I know you're trying to separate yourself from this car. So I know exactly if you're talking about a white car. I know exactly what happened because we have video. >> So tell me how you were in that car. >> Tell me how when you guys left the party, how did you leave the party? um in comparison to that black um cowboy or whatever you were just running. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, you said you got kicked out. When did you get kicked out? [snorts] >> Before what happened? Sorry. Before the shooting. >> Yeah. >> How many of you guys got kicked out? Like almost everybody a lot of people. >> Okay. >> Why was there Why were they kicking people out? >> I'm not sure the dad came in. There's the other >> Okay. Did you see anybody with firearms at the party? >> No. >> No. >> Just on the balcony. >> Just in the balcony. Who was on the balcony? >> I don't know who was shooting up there. >> You didn't see who it was yet? A >> did you guys have your firearms at the park? >> I had mine. Yeah. >> Okay. And then you had who else had a gun at the party? >> That was with you. Who did you roll in with? >> How did you Yeah. Who were you with when you got there? >> Me, my whole group, and like just five, six other ones. >> Okay. So when you guys get kicked out of the party, you're armed with a 9 mm drone. Any of your other homies have guns that you guys have video or pictures of? Be honest. I don't ask anybody now. I have pictures. >> Okay. So what other guns were at the party with your homies? >> With [snorts] my homies, there was only nines. Just sign him. Okay. How about the guy that was driving the car? >> I'm not sure. Pretty big gun, man. What do you mean you're not sure? Not sure. >> Okay. You know what a Draco is? >> Do you have a Draco? >> Who had the Draco? I'm not sure. Do you know what kind of shots the Draco shoot? What kind? >> 762. >> Who was shooting the drill that night or who had not bro? You remember what you're wearing that night? >> What I was? >> Yeah. >> [snorts] >> You don't remember? You don't remember what color pants? What color shirt? What color shoes? What's your favorite shoes you like to go out? >> For sure. Wow. >> I don't know. I really don't know. Okay. White pants on for >> white pants. >> White sweats. >> Yeah. >> Do they have black like Yeah, that was probably >> And you There's a video with you and you have your 9 mm drum. Your homie has a Draco and the other homie has a light with the beam. >> A light with the beam. >> Yeah, like a magazine. >> Magic with a green beam. >> Mhm. >> You're not going to tell me those guys names? >> No, sir. >> Not at all. >> We just have to figure it out. Okay. [snorts] >> When you guys got When did you guys get kicked out of the party? I don't know. I don't even think it was like usually everybody just getting kicked out. >> How many got kicked out with you? >> A lot. >> Yeah. Okay. And um when you guys got kicked out um what happened while people were yelling everywhere they >> everybody was yelling [snorts] and just shot off. >> Okay. >> Your shot came back. You were shooting shots go towards the house and then someone was shooting back. Okay. >> The thing is the party didn't screech to a halt until after the shots. When the owner of the home noticed the five criminals, including crews, putting their hands in the air and waving their guns like they didn't care. They were thrown out, not anyone else. >> Did you see them shooting? >> Yeah. No. >> You didn't see the driver shoot or the other people shoot? >> No. >> Did you shoot? >> No. Okay. Um now again like you've been honest and you've been super honestly I did try to shoot but my cut down even down those eight when happened I got jam too. >> How does So you have a nine right? >> So what happens when you jam like you pull the trigger nothing goes up or >> Yeah it just gets stuck in the chamber. >> Okay. Was that double or did you clear it? >> Yeah I cleared it. >> Where were you when you cleared it? Uh when I at the party. >> Yeah. Like were you like were you in in the car when you cleared it or outside? >> What car were you in >> at that point? I was in the Hellcat at that point. >> Okay. So you were in the Hellcat. So was were they shooting at you when you were trying to shoot? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So they were shooting at you. >> That's why I did cuz I saw shots coming towards us. >> Did they Did anybody get hit? >> No. >> Did the car get hit? Do you know? >> No. Okay. And um so you try to shoot back and someone's shooting at you and then your gun jams and then you clearly get shot once. >> You shot once. Okay. Was it after um you cleared out your gun? >> No, it was before. >> Okay. Um when you shot like where did you shoot at or towards >> I think I shot towards the I didn't >> Okay. It's just important that you're honest with like where where those guns are and stuff like that. Well, I don't think if you guys want it, you can get it right now. >> No. How come? >> I just You don't even have it at Walmart. >> No, I have no clue. >> When did you find out that somebody was killed? [sighs] >> Oh, okay. So, you heard someone hit and um what did your friend say about it that you're in the car with? They're just Everybody was just tripping. They're like someone got hit. It's cuz one of my home girls checking she carried the person that got hit out and she called and she was like someone got hit at the party. >> Your home girl? >> Um so when you are coming from here to here at what point like when you're walking up did you hear shots? >> They're just Do you Who do you think they're shooting at? >> I was ready. >> Okay. Um, so you've been shot before, right? Like you're telling us, so you know, >> honestly that that's the first time that I've been shot at so long. >> Yeah. And so you know what it sounds like when guns come at you, right? And that's what it sounded like. Um, where do you where did you hear the shots coming from first? >> Honestly, I can't really tell you. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> Like they just go off. >> So you're walking up this way. >> The only way I was able to tell is cuz of sparks. >> Where did the sparks come from? fall top of the balcony. >> Okay. So, you saw spars on the balcony over here and so you guys are walking up. So, you said you get into a car first >> and they drive up this way. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And then you get out of your friend's white possible Honda Nissan and then jump into the pad here and then when you get into the um at what point was shot? M there [snorts] was shots from the balcony and then it stopped and it stopped and then I was like and he kind of stopped on the corner and looked at the house and that's when I went to shoot and and shot one and it just [clears throat] went off. >> Though Cruz continuously claims that someone else shot at the car from the balcony of the home before they returned fire. There is no evidence nor reports we've been able to find that support that the boys in the car started firing because they were mad and embarrassed, not because they were defending themselves. And I don't know what kind of parties you were going to as a teenager, but I know for sure the ones I was going to weren't worth being that mad about. >> Back up just a little bit. I said you heard about an hour later in your home room. Who did she talk to to tell you that somebody was [snorts] >> Why did she stay there? >> She stayed there. And you're not going to tell us her name, right? Who did she communicate with? You or with one of the other guys in the car? >> I think she called someone else in the car. She called someone else in the car. And is it the same two people that were with you when you guys got shot at? >> The same two guys, the driver and your home. >> No, at that point we were with like two other people. >> Okay. [snorts] So there was total of five in the car or am I? >> Yeah. Um, so this is how it works and and I understand you're kind of dancing around it somewhat because you're pretty smart guy and but you have to know that being inside the car and that happening and shooting and everyone in the car didn't shoot is responsible for what I So, I want to I want to tell you something that you know you might probably already know. Okay. Um really looking for the guy that shot the Draco in Draco's party. We already have photos, pictures right next to you. So, I know you know who was that guys. >> Which one was that? What was he wearing? Um, can't tell you what he was wearing, but I You know what I'm talking about. You guys were in the kitchen and we had an hour. >> Oh, it was a college picture, >> huh? >> We should talk about that. >> Oh, is it the video I took? >> It's the video you took. Exactly. So, on that video, there's somebody has a drink on his pants. Are you going to tell us who that is? You guys know who it is. >> We know who it is. Are you going to say who it is? That's good. >> You know how you know how that's going to look like for you? Because we can put you in the car. We can put you at the party. We can put you with a handgun. You know how that's going to be like you are part of that whole crew. And this is the time to separate yourself from all that. And that's why I was asking you, are you really going to go down for what somebody else did? >> Yeah, you are. >> Is already you guys already know who the person is you're asking about. You just want to get it out of my mouth so you can put it on paper. No, that's not necessarily true. Um, it's [snorts] it's not because the thing is I think everybody has their own role in in everything in crimes, right? Or in life. You're you know, I don't think that you went to that party with the intention of shooting up a party. I don't I truly don't believe that. You know, you're a young kid. I think you were going you're probably I don't know if you're trying to be up with some girls or if you're faithful. what you're doing, but you probably went there to hang out, get some drinks, smoke, and just have a good time with your friends cuz that's what it looked like. And it seemed like it was a chill party until people started getting kicked out and somebody telling you guys to get out, you know, and it's that's why I believe that I don't think he went there with the intention of shooting a party. I think it just happened. The Draco, which delivered the fatal shot to Jada, was ultimately determined to have been fired by 16-year-old Isaiah Espinosa, a once close friend of Cruz. But truthfully, it doesn't matter much who fired the round that killed her. Most of the boys in the car were firing, including Cruz, making them legally speaking just as culpable for the homicide as Isaiah. And Cruz hasn't seem to figure that one out yet. >> Everybody else that you say you don't trust roll on you, guess what they're going to do? They're going to put it all on you. >> But I mean, I know I didn't do I did. >> What proof is that? >> Huh? >> What proof is that? >> My clothes. The guy [clears throat] I had in pictures. >> Okay. What clothes? >> I don't know. I just know that I'm going to be shooting nothing. >> Okay. Is there going to be Is there going to be proof of who shot that on your phone? >> No. So, so how how are we going to help you out in all of this? You tell us how how we're going to be able to tell the district attorney's office that you weren't involved [clears throat] in any of this. How are we going to help you out? No. So, you're already kind of just accepting it, ready to take the blow. You're ready to face homicide charge. I'm ready to go against you. >> You think you win? >> Yeah. >> Think so? >> I mean, I know I didn't do it. >> We have video. You wouldn't be asking me if we can have such good video. And I love you, bro. I can tell you that we see flashes coming from that blackout cat like crazy. >> Police are desperate to hear crews give up who was behind that wheel of the car. Not because they need it for a warrant. After all, they have footage of the incident, but because it will make their case against the driver hold up even stronger in court. So, while Cruz may not be the brightest crayon in the box, the man is loyal. Stupidly loyal, but loyal. >> I think there's nothing to be said about me. >> Um, >> what do you think he's saying that happened um after the party after kicked out? >> I don't know. I just heard that he's looking for government names on that night. >> He's looking for who? Government names. >> Government names. >> Um, he's looking for government names of like the group you guys were all with in Hellcat. >> Why would you do that? >> I don't know. That's why he's weird. >> Like to give all of your answer like your real names. You mean >> what does he know you by? >> He knows me. My code. >> But what does he know you? Just he knows your code. >> He knows your real name. Okay. >> Is that what you mean by government name? Like your real name. Okay. You said you known at home. Uh, >> ever since I was a little kid with this apartment complex growing up. >> So, how long you like 10 years? >> Probably five. So, if I was to show you a photo of him, would you be able to tell me that was the driver or not? No. [snorts] >> You would be able to, but you just don't want to, right? and he can't. So, >> so if you if all call you tight yourself up a little bit more every time. >> Is he worth Is he worth the charging? >> It's worth my respect that man, but I just I don't understand it. >> So, I I I understand that you wouldn't want to take cuz you're you know, we've already talked to you like we knew you were at the party. We knew you were the al. We knew you were there afterwards, but let's So, you're really talking to us. You don't want to take in the blade for anybody else. So, let me just ask you straight up. Are you willing to take homicide char homicide charge for something you did do? >> For something I did do? >> For something you did do? Would you would you just mess up and be like, "I did it." >> No. >> So, you So, either way, you wouldn't tell us? >> If you shot, you wouldn't tell us. If you were responsible for shooting >> if I shot someone. >> So where's the opinion in that? Where's the respect there? >> I don't know. >> You know what I'm saying? I'm just trying I'm just asking because you're like it's not cool. These other guys are going to snitch and do this and that. Yeah, if you did something just, hey, yeah, I did it. I'll take it. Because [snorts] that's that's the respectful dignity thing part of it. >> I need two years to do that. >> Okay. So, you you told on yourself the last time. >> Okay. [clears throat] But you see what I'm saying though? I mean, if you're not going to be honest, then we have to consider that you're not about you being responsible for what happened. >> So, when you shot, your casing is going to be on scene, right? >> It's probably the car. >> It was in the car or outside the car? [groaning] In the car? >> What happens if it's outside of the car? What happens if it's outside of the car? >> I don't touch. >> Yeah, but doesn't matter touching them. It's kind of like um >> who touches them? Who loads them? >> I don't touch them. >> You have somebody else. >> That's what my shirt's all about. >> Oh, so you use your shirt to wrap them around. >> Pretty smart. I mean, >> why do you do that? >> Why you use your shirt? >> I don't know. >> It's hard for your seat to slip. >> Okay. Well, why don't you just touch it with your fingers? [clears throat] >> I don't know. You're not going to tell me. You be like, I'm not walking into that one. >> I know people that do like >> Okay. >> I don't know how I got you. >> I got you. But you use your shirt. >> I'm learning so much. Well, Cruz, um, I think it's I what I was going to tell you is you said you'll never say those names. How about if we tell the district attorney that we believe that you could be cooperative and on paper because they're the only ones that can make deals like that. that we can. But what happens if we talk to them and saying, "You know what? You talk to Cruz and he seems like a pretty honest guy." He's honest because he's not telling us who he knows, who these people are, but he's honest about, you know, the reality of it. and they on paper with even your public defender put something in writing so that you don't get handed up as bad. Would that be something you're interested down the road? Cuz we can't name offices. No, absolutely not. >> I'd rather not be looking for >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Without saying any names, do you know who's responsible for killing that girl? [clears throat] You hesitated. You hesitated. Have you seen pictures of that? >> How do you think your mom would feel if that was you >> that got killed? You mentioned earlier that your mom um you kind of got a little emotional which I understand because my mom is I like making my mom proud and whenever I disappoint my mom it's it's rough. So do you feel like how does your how do you think your mom looks at you? >> Or like how does she view you? Do you think she proud of you? Do you think she's disappointed in you? Okay. Why do you think she's disappointed in you? just cuz like everything meant like I don't know. I always had like a good life. Can you take that? Sorry. Always had like a good life. I guess like I always I needed >> your mom she worked over time and stuff to support you. >> It's just she's always at work. >> Okay. >> And I'm always left to do whatever. >> Okay. So, do you think that your mom would be proud of you and the way that you handled yourself at that party? >> No. [clears throat] How do you think your mom would feel if she found out that you had something to do with that? [snorts] >> And again, I know you're not going to say any names, [snorts] but do you know or are you aware of who shot into that house until that girl? Okay. There's nothing else I can tell you. You're the one who has to put your head down at night. You're the one who has to go. I mean, you're going to get locked up right now, but you're going to be alone with your thoughts all night. And I want you to know that at the end of the day, like we're trying to help you. We're trying to talk with you, but your mom's going to see all this. And eventually, she's going to find some stuff out, right? And you're the one who's going to have to answer to that. >> Ultimately, Cruz Medina did have to answer to that. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison after taking a plea deal for first-degree murder. By the time he is released, he will have spent more of his life behind bars than outside of them. Isaiah, who fired the fatal shot, was sentenced to 29 years in prison after taking a similar plea deal. The three others in the vehicle, Jesse Parra, Jesse Escobido Barios, and Julian Pribb, received wildly different sentences. Jesse Parra received 12 years. Jesse Barios received a supervised probation, and Julian Pribb earned himself, well, a lot. Currently, he is being investigated and charged in relation to over a dozen shootings in 2022 alone. Our thoughts are with the lovely family of Jada Gonzalez. May her memory be a blessing and a reminder to everyone of how much goodness and love someone can create in so few years. Thank you for watching today's video. Whether you're new here or have been with us for a while, check out one of the craziest cases I've ever covered right here or one of my newest uploads right here.