Officers responded to a report of shots fired in a parking lot in the 400 block of Williams Road at about 10:40 a.m., according to police.
When officers arrived, they found Jose Maravilla-Ruiz, 38, unconscious and suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Another victim, a 21-year-old man, was found shot in the torso and was airlifted to a San Jose hospital. He was treated and released, police said.
The second victim later told police that two men approached them asking which gang they were affiliated with, according to police.
When the victims said they were not gang members, one suspect opened fire, police said. Both suspects got away.
Anyone with information about the suspects or shooting is asked to call Salinas police at (831) 758-7322 or the Tip Line at (831) 775-4222 or (800) 782-7463.
