San Diego, California — A quiet Linda Vista neighborhood was shattered by violence early Tuesday morning when a man was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The victim has been identified as 33-year-old Enrique Nunez, a longtime resident of the area. Police say the shooter remains at large, and an intense manhunt is underway.
The incident, which occurred around 4:45 a.m. on October 7, 2025, has left the community reeling, as friends and family mourn the loss of a man described as kind, hardworking, and devoted to his loved ones.
The Shooting
According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Ulric Street after multiple 911 callers reported hearing a series of gunshots followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away.
When officers arrived, they found Enrique Nunez lying on the sidewalk near a parked car, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Emergency responders performed CPR and rushed him to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save him.
“He was found with significant trauma from gunfire,” said Lt. Daniel Meyer of the SDPD Homicide Unit. “At this time, we believe the shooting was not random, but we are still investigating the motive.”
Detectives canvassed the neighborhood for surveillance footage and witnesses. Early reports suggest that a dark-colored sedan was seen fleeing the area moments after the shooting.
Ongoing Investigation
The SDPD Homicide Unit has taken the lead on the investigation. Preliminary evidence indicates that Nunez may have been ambushed while leaving his residence for work. Investigators have not yet determined whether the incident was connected to a personal dispute, a robbery, or gang-related activity.
“We are exploring all possible angles,” Lt. Meyer said. “Right now, we are focused on identifying the suspect vehicle and speaking with anyone who may have seen or heard something unusual in the early morning hours.”
Crime scene technicians spent several hours collecting shell casings and documenting the scene. Authorities are urging residents and local businesses with surveillance cameras to come forward with any relevant footage between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Police have not disclosed how many shots were fired but confirmed that multiple shell casings from a 9mm handgun were recovered.
Neighbors Describe a Shocking Scene
Residents of the typically peaceful Linda Vista neighborhood said they were startled awake by gunfire.
“It was like five or six shots, one after another,” said Carlos Martinez, who lives across the street. “Then I heard a car screeching off. When I came outside, I saw someone lying on the ground. It was terrifying.”
Another neighbor, who requested anonymity, said Enrique was a familiar face in the area.
“He was quiet, respectful — always waved when he passed by,” the neighbor said. “We can’t believe something like this could happen to him.”
Who Was Enrique Nunez?
Friends and family describe Enrique Nunez as a dedicated worker and a loving father of two young children. He worked as a construction foreman and was known for his strong work ethic and loyalty to his crew.
His sister, Maria Nunez, told reporters that Enrique had been working long hours to provide for his family and was hoping to buy a home within the next year.
“He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” Maria said tearfully. “He didn’t deserve this. He was just on his way to work. Now his kids have to grow up without their father.”
A GoFundMe page has been created by friends to help support Enrique’s children and cover funeral expenses. Within hours of its creation, donations and messages of sympathy began pouring in from friends, coworkers, and community members.
Community Reacts with Sorrow and Fear
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Linda Vista community, where violent crimes are relatively rare. Residents say the incident has heightened concerns about safety and gun violence in their neighborhood.
Local community leader Raul Dominguez, who heads the Linda Vista Neighborhood Association, expressed grief and frustration.
“This is a tragedy that hits close to home,” Dominguez said. “We’re heartbroken for Enrique’s family. But it’s also a reminder that we must come together as a community to stop this cycle of violence before more lives are lost.”
City officials have pledged to increase police patrols in the area while the suspect remains at large.
Police Seek Public’s Help
Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect or vehicle involved in the shooting. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene in a dark-colored four-door sedan, possibly a Honda or Toyota, heading south on Ulric Street.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous tips are also welcome.
“Someone out there knows something,” Lt. Meyer emphasized. “Even the smallest detail could help us identify who did this and bring justice to Enrique and his family.”
Calls for Justice and Prevention
As the investigation unfolds, advocates for gun violence prevention are calling for renewed efforts to address the root causes of community violence.
“Every shooting like this is a reminder that gun violence doesn’t just take one life — it shatters families and entire neighborhoods,” said Angela Perez, director of the nonprofit Voices for Peace San Diego. “We need more resources for conflict resolution, mental health, and community policing to prevent tragedies like this.”
Remembering Enrique
A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday evening at the intersection of Ulric Street and Comstock Street, near where Enrique was killed. Family, friends, and neighbors are expected to gather to honor his memory, share stories, and demand justice.
“He was taken from us far too soon,” said Maria Nunez. “We just want whoever did this to be caught. My brother didn’t deserve to die on a cold street like that.”
Conclusion
The fatal shooting of Enrique Nunez has left a deep wound in the Linda Vista community — a reminder of how fragile life can be in the face of senseless violence. As police continue their search for the shooter, Enrique’s family clings to the hope that justice will prevail.
His death marks yet another tragedy in a growing list of violent crimes affecting ordinary citizens simply going about their lives. For now, Linda Vista mourns — united in grief, anger, and a shared call for peace.
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