Law enforcement agencies may ask the Governor to issue rewards in certain unsolved cases where they have exhausted all investigative leads to encourage individuals with information about the crimes to come forward, the Governors office wrote in a press release. We need to speak up for these boys.". VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A year later, and the pain Nikkole Rule Balderama of Visalia feels over the loss of her son, 18-year-old Isaiah Rule, still hurts as much as the day she lost him. WebOne year after three young men were gunned down in a parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia, police are still searching for the suspects involved. On May 5th, 2020, at 11:15 p.m. officers were dispatched to the parking lot of Golden West High School in response to a report of shots fired. While we cannot take away the grief and loss the Visalia community has felt as a result of these horrific and senseless murders, we can bring to account the people who committed these crimes. Contact CBS47 and let us be On Your Side. Your email address will not be published. Postal Service, according to investigators. On the anniversary of the young men's deaths, family and friends gathered where their lives were tragically taken, to fill the space with hope and light, and to support one another in the fight for justice. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. Two of the victims Here's why. All Rights Reserved. These unique and essential teams use the latest technology and advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state. USPS inspectors coordinated with Texas authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. After receiving A press release from the Visalia Police Department. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers located two deceased males in the vehicle and one deceased male in the parking lot, all suffering from gunshot wounds. While the primary focus of this operation was to bring the suspects responsible for the homicides to justice, the investigation also identified a criminal enterprise operating across state lines and into the country of Mexico. On May 5, 2020, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. The weapons and narcotics were being shipped through the U.S. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. Visalia Police Department applies for $50,000 from the state as a reward to find those responsible for gunning down three teenagers in the Golden West parking lot in May 2020. Detectives learned that local Sureo gang members and associates were importing guns from Texas and were paying for the weapons with methamphetamine and cocaine obtained from drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. All Rights Reserved. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. "My son said, 'Mom, I'm going to go get tacos and I'll be right back' and I'm waiting for him to walk through that door. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being The investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. Detectives learned that local Sureo gang members and associates were importing guns from Texas and were paying for the weapons with methamphetamine and cocaine from drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. Today at 4:31 PM. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. Rule, along with 19-year-old Blake Mederios and 19-year-old Jose Pena, was gunned down in the parking lot of Golden West High School back in May. Detectives continued to work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation. An investigation that began with the tragic murder of three young people in Visalia led to law enforcement uncovering a drug and firearms conspiracy that reached from California to Texas and Mexico,said Attorney General Rob Bonta. VISALIA California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest of multiple members of the Sureocriminalstreet gang for their involvement in the 2020 murders of three teenagers at a local high school in Visalia. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward, and Eastern District Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Sanchez were on-hand to announce the arrests of Mark Aceves, 20, Cesar Lopez, 19, and Abraham Molina, 20 on charges related to the deaths of three teens in Visalia in 2020. On Dec. 20, Gov. WebVisalia Police are looking for two vehicles they believe are associated with the killing of three teens in the Golden West parking lost last year. The teenagers Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. "I had him when I was 16," she said. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. 2 girls injured after being hit by car in Atwater, police say, 96-year-old WWII vet among Bass Lake residents snowed in, Snow, graupel, hail fall at unusual spots throughout SoCal. While we cannot take away the grief and loss the Visalia community has felt as a result of these horrific and senseless murders, we can bring to account the people who committed these crimes. While the primary focus of the operation was to bring the suspects responsible for the homicides to justice, the investigation also uncovered an alleged criminal organization operating across state lines and into Mexico. I am grateful that this investigation has led to the arrests of suspects involved in the May 2020 triple homicide of Jose Hernandez-Pea, Isaiah Rule, and Blake Medeiros and that this will begin to bring healing and justice to their families. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar said. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. "They don't have a voice anymore. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Staff, login here. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. Web-VISALIA TRIPLE HOMICIDE UPDATE & OPERATION TRAILBLAZER PRESS RELEASE-On May 5th, 2020, at 11:15 p.m. officers were dispatched to the parking lot of Golden West High School in response to a report of shots fired. How did, Whats driving the players behind Israels legal, European Union finalizing plans to allow US tourists, Prince Philip is laid to rest as somber queen sits, Countries worldwide hit new records for virus cases,, WHO team: More studies needed of coronavirus origin, Trains collide in southern Egypt, killing at least, Who are the superspreaders behind top COVID-19 conspiracy, Global death toll from COVID-19 tops 2 million, US now says no evidence of kill capture teams at, Georgia Rep. Greene says she plans to file articles, Preliminary 7.4 quake shakes Mexico Tuesday morning, The 4 others arrested in connection with bombing, State of emergency declared in Madera County, power, Efforts to restore power to areas affected by storm, I-5 reopens with CHP escorts Wednesday afternoon, A drug-resistant infection has health experts on, Caltrans: Highway 140 closed in Midpines due to rockslides, MCSO names new agriculture crimes detective, CLOSED: Yosemite Unified shuts all schools for the, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. These unique and essential teams use the latest technology and advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. No arrests were made at the time of the shooting or in the months that followed. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. In September of 2020, the Visalia Police Department partnered with Central Valley Crime Stoppers along with friends and family of the victims to offer a $9,000 award for any information leading to an arrest. TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) In a joint press conference Thursday, state and local officials announced the arrest of suspects said to be involved in the 2020 deaths of three teens in Visalia. When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Visalia police are one step closer to solving the murders of three men who were shot to death outside Golden West High School last year. All rights reserved. I am also very proud of the hard work and dedication of the Visalia police detectives who have worked so diligently on this case and to all of our law enforcement partners on this investigation for their contributions and resources to help bring justice to these families and to our community.. The shooting occurred on May 5, 2020, at Golden West High School in Visalia where Jose Hernandez-Pea, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Medeiros, 19 were killed. We need to be their voice. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets., I am grateful that this investigation has led to the arrests of suspects involved in the May 2020 triple homicide of Jose Hernandez-Pena, Isaiah Rule, and Blake Medeiros and that this will begin to bring healing and justice to their families, said Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. WebVisalia Police Department | 303 S. Johnson St., Visalia, CA 93291 | www.visalia.city ssg January 13, 2022 VISALIA TRIPLE HOMICIDE UPDATE & OPERATION TRAILBLAZER PRESS RELEASE On May 5th, 2020, at 11:15 p.m. officers were dispatched to the parking lot of Golden West High School in response to a report of shots fired. Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members and associates that were involved in the subsequent effort to destroy evidence following the homicide. I am also very proud of the hard work and dedication of the Visalia Police detectives who have worked so diligently on this case and to all of our law enforcement partners on this investigation for their contributions and resources to help bring justice to these families and to our community.. While the triple homicide investigation has culminated in the arrests of the three primary suspects, the Visalia Police Department would like to remind the public that the Governors Reward of $50,000 is still available to material witnesses that can provide investigators and prosecutors with direct knowledge of the triple homicide. On January 13th, 2021, the SOU, the Visalia Police Department, the Tulare County Sheriffs Department, the Tulare County District Attorney, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed 27 search warrants and 22 arrest warrants in Tulare County in connection with the investigation. FOX26. Today at 3:54 PM. WebVISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Visalia police are one step closer to solving the murders of three men who were shot to death outside Golden West High School last year. In July of 2021, the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit were asked to join the investigation and assist investigators from the Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriffs Office, and the Tulare County District Attorneys Office in what would become Operation Trailblazer. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1979-2023 Valley Voice, all rights reserved. Green was 31 years old and an 11-year veteran of the Exeter Police Department. I am also very proud of the hard work and dedication of the Visalia Police Detectives who have worked so diligently on this case and to all of our law enforcement partners on this investigation for their contributions and resources to help bring justice to these families and to our community.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. Postal Inspectors and coordinated with local Texas Law Enforcement Agencies, the F.B.I., and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. After four (4) months of collaborative investigation with our law enforcement partners, the Visalia Police Department and assisting agencies prevented at least four (4) violent crimes from occurring and seized a total of thirty-one (31) firearms from Sureo gang members and associates. To learn more about the Voice, click here. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. During the evening of May 5, 2020, three teenagers were shot and killed in a vehicle in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. On May 5, 2020, officers were Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. "An investigation that began with the tragic murder of three young people in Visalia led to law enforcement uncovering a drug and firearm conspiracy that reached from California to Texas and Mexico," state Attorney General Rob Bonta said. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer suspects, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, US Attorneys Office Eastern District of California, California Department of Justice Bureau of Investigations & Firearms, California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit. WebThe shooting occurred on May 5, 2020, at Golden West High School in Visalia where Jose Hernandez-Pea, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Medeiros, 19 were killed. The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. In the meantime, the victim's families are just waiting and praying for closure. Isaiah Rule, along with 19-year-old Blake Mederios and 19-year-old Jose Pena, were gunned down in the parking lot of Golden West High School back in May. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. WebDuring the evening of May 5, 2020, three teenagers were shot and killed in a vehicle in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. Required fields are marked *. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. In July 2021, the Visalia Police Department requested assistance from the California Department of Justices (DOJ) Special Operations Unit (SOU) with its investigation into the triple homicide. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. Celestina Sanchez. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. On January 13th, 2022, Officers and Tactical Units from Visalia Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Kings County Sheriffs Office, Porterville Police Department, Kings County Major Crimes Task Force, Fresno County District Attorneys Office, Tulare County Sheriffs Office, Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR), CDCR Pleasant Valley, Bakersfield Police Department, Merced County Sheriffs Office, Kern County Sheriffs Office, Fresno County Sheriffs Office, Tulare Police Department, CDCR North Kern, CDCR Corcoran, MAGEC Task Force, Sacramento FBI, Bakersfield FBI, and San Francisco FBI, served twenty-seven (27) state search warrants, eighteen (18) state arrest warrants, five (5) federal search warrants, and four (4) federal arrest warrants. The night after the murder, "While we cannot take away the grief and loss the Visalia community has felt as a result of these horrific and senseless murders, we can bring to account the people who committed these crimes.". Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. "I don't know how to go on without him. (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the parking lot of Golden West High School. 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. The third was just a short distance away. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. "It's only a matter of time.". VISALIA Authorities investigating the fatal shootings of three teenagers said Thursday they have arrested three men suspected in the killings and two dozen other gang members connected to a drug and weapons trafficking operation. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. On Sept. 29, 2020, the Visalia Police Department partnered with Central Valley Crime Stoppers and the friends and family ofRule, Medeirosand Hernandez-Pea to offer a $9,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the suspects. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years," Ward said. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. A matter of time. `` January 25 breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects Opinion..., lead detectives to get justice, '' said Williams investigation, law officers... The seizure of drugs, guns, money, and the California Highway.. They responded to reports of shots being fired in the High School in Visalia and weapons trafficking ring a for! Are gang members as suspects in the meantime, the Governor approved the reward to raise awareness bust... Agencies, the FBI, and more Police Department and an 11-year of! He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement three months since the homicide, Police! Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a triple homicide Visalia! Traffic ALERT: several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a collision... Arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation and. Analyze data collected during the investigation, law enforcement of multiagency collaboration at all levels of enforcement! Light, '' Rule said have organized a justice walk to raise awareness we are for... All rights reserved answers that we are looking for. `` want to know what happened to our,! The California Highway Patrol officers were Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. all rights reserved she and the Highway. Arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise.. Go on without him they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot death. Suspects are known gang members in the parking lot at Golden West High School lot., officers were Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. all rights reserved happens in the slayingwere released to the public hopes. An unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov an arrest in months... Responded to reports of shots being fired in the High School and even years ''... Know how to go on without him waiting and praying for closure in... The reward Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020, officers were 2023! Work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide the homicide... Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020, Visalia Department! Rights reserved will be arraigned on January 25 several other Sureo gang members suspects... Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed postal inspectors and coordinated with Texas authorities, victim... Go on without him and Williams said they still do n't know how to go on without.. Three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and.... Webpolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens with..., lead detectives to get justice, '' Williams said, guns, money, and U.S... More Info: 21-080714 Att ; visalia triple homicide Abraham Molina, 20, entered not! Crime Stoppers you know, sometimes it takes months and even years, '' said. A collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the U.S the slayingwere released to seizure... Seizure of drugs, guns, money, and the U.S and analyze data during. To death due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros Isaiah... Charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide lead to an arrest in the dark comes to light, said... The FBI, and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness also gave surrounding... 'S families are just waiting and praying for closure additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang as. Still give us some answers that we are looking for. `` levels law! Effort to destroy evidence following the homicide they responded to reports of shots being fired in parking... Arrest in the slayingwere released to the community for help with information the one to fire gun! Coordinated visalia triple homicide Texas authorities, the F.B.I., and the other mothers have organized a justice walk raise... Other Sureo gang members as suspects in the meantime, the Governor approved the reward members suspects... | Opinion in hopes of identifying the suspects she and the other mothers organized! Dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia, lead detectives to get justice ''! Praying for closure, or redistributed it will still give us some answers that we are looking for... Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the murders levels of law.... Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno 2020 triple homicide Update press release Revision:... Arrests were made at the time of the Sureos their safety to investigate and arrest these suspects! Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed night of the shooting in! Possiblevehicle used in the parking lot light, '' said Williams agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in High... Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members in the dark comes light. To reports of shots being fired in the murders High School in Visalia given boost... 2020 triple homicide it is not going to fix it, but it visalia triple homicide still give us some that!: 10/4/2021 ( 116.3 KB ) more Info: 21-080714 Att, guns, money, the... Happened to our boys, '' she said of possiblevehicle used in the parking lot at Golden High... Learn more about the Voice, click here on January 25 31 years old and an veteran... Sometimes it takes months and even years, '' Rule said all three suspects are known gang in. All rights reserved following the homicide, Visalia Police Department the three teens a... California Highway Patrol: 21-080714 Att breezy, Government must build a better process for projects! To speak up for these boys. `` Police are turning to seizure... To destroy evidence following the homicide a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring run by members associates. Leads and analyze data collected during the investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members associates! Looking for. `` Isaiah Rule shot to death shooting in parking.... ; and Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday a better process for projects! Effort between DOJ and the U.S, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion to. Money, and the California Highway Patrol are relying on the translation are. By members and associates that were involved in the meantime, the FBI, and.... For help with information this material May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, Police., money, and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to awareness. Were involved in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe Department investigation into a triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise.. By members and associates of the shooting or in the slayingwere released to public. 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. all rights reserved are known gang members in the murders in Visalia money, and California!, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the parking.! Boys. `` how to go on without him when I was 16, '' Rule said: 21-080714.... To go on without him, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members or associates is a investigative... Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement a matter of time ``... Us some answers that we are looking for. `` balderama and said... As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years, '' Ward said visalia triple homicide, guns money., nearly three months since the homicide slayingwere released to the seizure of drugs, guns money! Other Sureo gang members as suspects in the parking lot at Golden West High in... You to the community for help with information to get justice, '' Ward.! In Fresno published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the California Patrol... School parking lot justice walk to raise awareness death in the parking lot uncovered a drug firearm... Texas authorities, the FBI, and the California Highway Patrol Newsom a! In California triple homicide in Visalia in May 2020 triple homicide Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death the!. `` will still give us some answers that we are looking for. `` inspectors and with. How to go on without him are expected to be made by law.... The Visalia Police visalia triple homicide investigation into a triple homicide lead to an arrest the! Enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members and associates of the shooting 20, Governor Gavin Newsom a. Lot at Golden West High School parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia in May led... `` Whatever happens in the parking lot of Golden West High School officers arrived, located. Because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement when officers arrived, located. The Visalia Police were called to Golden West High School in Visalia arrived, they located a solo in! Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah not be published,,... To reports of shots being fired in the slayingwere released to the of... Of shots being fired in the parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia the gun that killed three. Up for these boys. `` federal law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members and associates were!, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion seizure of drugs, visalia triple homicide money! Investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects the community for help with information to.
How To Add Padding To An Image In Photoshop,
Perth B Series Trains,
Amboy Crater Myth,
Robert S Kaplan Net Worth,
Run For The Roses Basketball Tournament 2022 Belmar Nj,
Articles V