Guns still missing in SV burglary

Five weeks after three Scotts Valley High School students were arrested on suspicion of stealing five guns from a Scotts Valley home, the guns remain missing.
But a case that might have been used to carry them was found recently, according to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutor Rafael Vazquez said the case is being processed for fingerprints but declined to say where it was found.
“A lot more information will surface at the next hearing,” Vazquez said.
A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 2.
Another detail emerged shortly after the May 4 burglary on Navigator Drive, when the victims reported that the creatures in their large saltwater aquarium had died mysteriously.
“It’s unclear what or if there was some sort of acidic substance put in the tank,” Vazquez said. “It’s all speculation at this point.”
Found dead were 18 fish, 60 crustaceans and 20 corals, with damages estimated at $4,000.
“It’s a rare circumstance,” Vazquez said. “It’s unclear what caused this or if it’s connected with the burglary. It’s still under investigation.”
The missing guns are an AK-47, a Remington rifle, a Mossberg shotgun, a Desert Eagle .44 Magnum pistol and a Ruger .22-caliber pistol. An Xbox 360 gaming console and several video games were also reported as missing.
Police estimated the value of the stolen items at $6,700 but said that the street value of the guns is hard to pinpoint.
Ryan Estrada and David Johnston, both 18-year-old Scotts Valley High seniors, were arrested May 5, along with an unidentified 17-year-old. Police said the 17-year-old knew the son of the burglary victim.
Johnston pleaded not guilty to the felony burglary charge May 18. Estrada entered the same plea June 1. Both teens posted $25,000 bail.
“Officers are being very proactive about locating the guns,” Vazquez said. “The situation is serious, especially with the recent county problem of gang violence.”