Man arrested for murder of California DoorDash driver

Manuel Salceda, 39, has been arraigned on murder charges in connection with the death of Javier Becerril Jr., a 42-year-old DoorDash driver from Hollister. Becerril’s body was discovered on July 9 inside the trunk of a Tesla on State Route 152 in Merced County.

A three-month investigation led by the California Highway Patrol’s Central Division Major Crimes Unit determined that Becerril had been beaten before his body was placed in the vehicle. Authorities utilized surveillance footage, physical evidence, and data from the Tesla’s onboard computer system to identify the suspect.

Salceda was apprehended on October 11 at a gas station in Woodland, Yolo County, following a pursuit that spanned several Bay Area counties. Investigators noted that Salceda may have used multiple identities to evade law enforcement. He appeared in Merced County Superior Court on October 20 to face the charges.