SALINAS - A man who claimed to be turning his life around is now he's behind bars charged with a year old murder.
Despite counselors at Rancho Cielo saying Ivan Haro made progress, Salinas Police said you can't run from the past.
Rancho Cielo's mission is to help ask-risk young adults turn their lives around but this time one of its own was led out of its gates in handcuffs.
"This was a young man who had worked really hard when he was here and had been demonstrating that he wanted to do the right thing," said Susie Brusa, chief executive officer for Rancho Cielo.
Haro was only at Rancho Cielo for four weeks and Brusa said when asked where he wanted to be in five years, Haro talked of having a job and supporting his young family.
But Haro had a secret that could derail those plans.
"However, Rancho Cielo does not tolerate violence of any kind and if that young man is guilty of that terrible tragedy a year ago then he must face the consequences," Brusa said.
Salinas Police said Haro initiated a gang fight with Jorge Ramirez Medina Junior last July and told a friend to shoot him because he was a rival gang member.
Sgt. Chris Lane said investigators had evidence and was waiting for a time to make a move.
"How genuine he was for wanting to turn his life around only he knows," Lane said. "But, again, you can't run away from things that have happened in the past."
But Rancho Cielo said it's not going to stop trying to help the kids who need it the most.
"Not every kid can be saved," Brusa said. "Not every kid is going to be successful."
While police now have Haro behind bars, the case is far from closed because the shooter is still on the loose.
Haro is charged with murder and gang enhancements.
The district attorney may add or drop charges.
