On March 3, 2022, at approximately 7:40p a 911 caller reported they had shot someone at a home on Elma Avenue SE just south of State Street in the unincorporated area of East Salem. When deputies arrived at the home they found a 45-year-old woman with critical injuries. Deputies attempted life-saving efforts, the victim did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Deputies detained the 911 caller and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit were called out to investigate the death. Investigators determined this began as a domestic disturbance, between the victim and her boyfriend, Cruz Hernandez-Rivera (34) of Salem. No other people were injured during the incident.
The victim has been identified as Gloria Rivas-Castillo (45) of Salem.
Hernandez-Rivera was arrested for Murder in the 2nd Degree, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of a Firearm as well as outstanding warrants for previous domestic violence crimes. He has been lodged at the Marion County Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned on March 4, 2022 at 2:30p at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.
Due to this being an open investigation, no additional information is available for release at this time. The family expresses their appreciation for the concern shown by the community and request they be given privacy to mourn their loss.
