Fatal Shooting of 46-Year-Old Manuel Correa in Southcrest: Investigators Seek Leads as Tensions Escalate in Verbal Altercation Turning Deadly
San Diego, CA – November 27, 2024 – A tragic incident unfolded on the night before Thanksgiving in Southcrest, San Diego, when 46-year-old Manuel Correa was fatally shot following a heated verbal altercation with a group of individuals. Authorities have identified Correa as the victim of the shooting, which took place in an alley on the 3700 block of National Avenue at approximately 10:30 PM. Despite efforts to save his life, Correa was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the San Diego community grappling with the sudden loss and searching for answers regarding the circumstances that led to this devastating crime.
Manuel Correa: A Life Remembered
Manuel Correa, known to his family and friends as a hardworking, family-oriented man, was a long-time resident of Southcrest, a neighborhood in southern San Diego with a mix of residential homes and small businesses. He was the kind of person who would help a neighbor in need without hesitation, and his death has sent shockwaves through his tight-knit community.
Born in San Diego in 1978, Correa grew up in the same area where he would later raise his family. Described as someone who took pride in his work and always sought to provide for his loved ones, Correa was a dependable figure in the local community. He worked in construction and, over the years, earned a reputation as a skilled and reliable worker.
“He was always there for his kids,” said Carlos Rios, Correa’s close friend and former colleague. “He would do anything for his family. They were his world. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
Correa leaves behind two children, Isabella and Daniel, who, in the wake of his death, are now left to navigate life without the steady presence of their father. His sister, Eva Correa, expressed how her brother was always the protector of their family, noting that his absence is keenly felt.
“My brother was the one who made sure we were all okay,” she said. “He wasn’t just a brother, he was the glue that held us together.”
The Shooting: What We Know So Far
The shooting that claimed Manuel Correa’s life occurred on the evening of November 27, 2024, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. Around 2:20 p.m., police received reports of gunfire in the area, and multiple emergency responders were dispatched to the scene. Officers from the San Diego Police Department arrived within minutes and located Correa lying in an alley near the 3700 block of National Avenue.
Bystanders, who were the first to reach the scene, began administering first aid in a desperate attempt to save Correa’s life. Paramedics arrived shortly after and continued life-saving efforts, but Correa’s injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to initial reports and witness statements, Correa had been involved in a verbal altercation with a group of individuals who were standing in a nearby parking lot, which escalated rapidly. Sources indicate that a confrontation between Correa and one of the men in the group led to both individuals drawing handguns. The two men exchanged gunfire during the altercation, with Correa being struck by a bullet. It remains unclear whether the other man in the group was injured, as no reports have confirmed the status of the other individuals involved.
At the time of the shooting, some witnesses noted that after the gunfire, the group immediately fled the scene in a white Lexus sedan. It was later revealed that this vehicle played a key role in advancing the investigation.
The Investigation: Tracing the Lexus and Pursuing Leads
San Diego Homicide Detectives were quickly called to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Based on evidence collected at the scene and statements from witnesses, investigators began piecing together the events leading up to the altercation and shooting. While the details surrounding the dispute remain murky, the fact that both Correa and the other man involved were armed suggests the potential for premeditated violence.
The investigation took a significant turn on December 4, 2024, when an alert from the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system helped law enforcement locate the suspect vehicle. The white Lexus, identified as having been present at the scene of the shooting, was flagged by the ALPR system, which monitors and cross-references license plate numbers across the city.
The alert led officers to the Ridgeview/Webster neighborhood, where they located the Lexus parked in the driveway of a residence in the 1700 block of 49th Street. Multiple individuals were detained at the location, and the Lexus was impounded for further examination.
A search warrant was executed at the residence, which resulted in the arrest of a male individual on firearms and narcotics charges. However, it is important to note that this individual is not believed to be connected to the homicide. Law enforcement has emphasized that while the search did not yield any direct suspects in the case, the vehicle’s discovery and the subsequent search are part of the broader effort to gather evidence.
Detectives are continuing to pursue several leads, and while some progress has been made, the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The San Diego Police Department remains focused on determining the exact nature of the altercation between Correa and the individuals involved, as well as the motive behind the deadly confrontation.
Community Reactions: Mourning and Calls for Justice
The shooting has had a profound impact on the Southcrest neighborhood, where Manuel Correa was well known. Friends and family have expressed their disbelief and heartbreak over his death, and community members have come together to support his loved ones during this difficult time.
“It’s just shocking that something like this could happen here, in our neighborhood,” said Maria Torres, a long-time resident of Southcrest. “Manuel was one of the good guys. He wasn’t involved in anything criminal. He was just trying to live his life, take care of his family. This is a huge loss for everyone who knew him.”
In the wake of Correa’s death, family members, friends, and community leaders have rallied around his family to offer their support. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, and there has been a public outpouring of grief from those who knew Correa. His family is also urging for justice, with Eva Correa calling on anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
“I just want to know what happened to my brother,” she said. “He didn’t deserve this. We need justice for Manuel. We need to know who did this to him, and why.”
Next Steps: What We Can Expect in the Investigation
As the investigation continues, detectives are focusing on gathering more evidence from the scene of the shooting, including forensic analysis, ballistic testing, and further interviews with potential witnesses. The goal is to uncover more details about the verbal altercation that escalated into violence and determine whether there are any ties between the individuals involved in the shooting.
San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit is also continuing to follow leads related to the white Lexus and the individuals who were seen fleeing the scene. With no arrests made yet, law enforcement officials are asking the public for help in identifying any suspects or providing additional information that could aid in solving the case.
Authorities are reminding anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and there may be a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Justice for Manuel Correa: A Community’s Plea
As the investigation progresses, the community is holding its breath, hoping for answers and justice for the life that was taken too soon. Manuel Correa’s death is not just a statistic in a growing number of San Diego shootings; it’s a tragic loss for a family that will never be the same. His children, Isabella and Daniel, are left to cope with the absence of their father, and his loved ones are determined to honor his memory by seeking justice.
In the coming days and weeks, authorities and the community will continue their efforts to ensure that those responsible for this senseless act of violence are held accountable. The hope is that through diligent investigation and community cooperation, justice will prevail, and Manuel Correa’s family can begin the difficult process of healing.
