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 3:54 PM. "They don't have a voice anymore. 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. 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. Violent Crimes Detectives with the Visalia Police Department have worked the case tirelessly since that night. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. All Rights Reserved. WebLate Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San Joaquin Valley city about 40 miles southeast of Fresno, responded to a report of shots fired at a high school. Copyright - California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California DOJ Assists Detectives with Homicide, ABC Agents Arrest Two Bartenders Accused of Serving, Seven Arrested for 2020 Homicide of a 15-Year-Old in Visalia, CDFW Wardens Safely Transport Mountain Lion Out of, CSLEA Political & Legislative Consultants. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. The Visalia Police Department was aided by the followingagencies: I am grateful that this investigation has led to the arrests of suspects involved and that this will begin to bring healing and justice to their families. Salazar said. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. "I don't know how to go on without him. 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. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. Rule says they plan to hold another justice walk on Wednesday in front of the Visalia Police Department to keep the boy's memory and investigation alive. His mother set up the memorial outside her home in Visalia in hopes that those driving by won't forget that she and two other families are still searching for answers. Investigators from several agencies, including the Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, the Tulare County District Attorney's Office, the Attorney General's Office and the FBI arrested 20-year-old Mark Aceves, 19-year-old Cesar Lopez, and 20-year-old Abraham Molina Thursday morning. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. Previous coverage:DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer suspects. Everybody's family is going to keep fighting.". VISALIA Just a few weeks after Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. FOX26. During todays search and arrest operation,27Sureos members and associates were arrested, including three who are suspected to be directly involved in the triple homicide. The weapons and drugs were being shipped through the U.S. Phone: 559-761-0383 But they believe there could be three suspects based on witness reports. 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. WebThe governors reward of $50,000 is still available to material witnesses who can provide investigators and prosecutors with direct knowledge of the triple homicide. Theyve authored ninety (90) search warrants, conducted sixty (60) interviews, searched over two hundred twenty (220) digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. 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. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? Once investigators learned of this criminal enterprise, they notified U.S. Operation Trailblazer focused on the enhanced surveillance and investigation of individuals believed to be directly involved with the triple homicide and who were members of the Sureo criminal street gang in the cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. After receiving This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Molina is believed to have shot and killed the victims, and was charged with the special allegation that he intentionally discharged a firearm, which caused death. 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. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. Required fields are marked *. Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. Postal Service. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. On Thursday, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Convention Center. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. "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. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. On May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. Heannounced the details of Operation Trailblazer and the subsequent arrests of the men accused of killing JoseHernandez-Pea, 19;Isaiah Rule, 18;andBlake Medeiros, 19. They interviewed numerous witnesses, collected evidence, and authored search warrants in an attempt to piece together what happened that May night. Over the course of the investigation, the Visalia Police Department was assisted by the Tulare County Sheriffs Office, Tulare County District Attorneys Office, US Attorneys Office Eastern District of California, Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Justice Bureau of Investigations & Firearms, and the California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons 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. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. One of the vehicles is a darker-colored truck, and the other is a light-colored car. Valley Crime Stoppers and the victim's families are offering a $9,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects. 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. WebArrests in Visalia triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. 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. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". Anyone with All rights reserved. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. 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. 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. When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. 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. Your email address will not be published. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. Two of the victims Today, 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. The investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. 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. Anyone with information is asked to call the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. "I'm going to keep fighting. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted in dozens of arrests, and the seizure of weapons and illegal drugs. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. 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. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. 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. The night after the murder, This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. Over the course of the investigation, 37arrests were made, at leastfiveviolent crimes were prevented, and a total of56firearms were seized from Sureo gang members and associates. "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. "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". On October 1st, 2021, Visalia Police Department Detectives applied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to assist in bringing the suspects responsible for this crime to justice. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. All Rights Reserved. District Attorney Tim Ward added that while it took time to get to Thursday's announcement, prosecutors will work hard to ensure closure follows. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. "It's only a matter of time.". Isaiah Rule, along with 19-year-old Blake Mederios and 19-year-old Jose Pena, were gunned down in the (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the According to detectives, the investigation into the shooting led to the discovery of a criminal enterprise operating across state lines and into the country of Mexico. Investigators say they learned that area gang members and associates were bringing guns from Texas and paying for the weapons with drugs including meth and cocaine obtained from Mexican traffickers. WebPrevious coverage: 3 arrests made in Visalia triple homicide Police found Jose Hernandez-Pea, 19; Isaiah Rule, 18; and Blake Medeiros, 19, dead with gunshot Postal Service, according to investigators. The third was just a short distance away. 20-year Mark 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. One year after three men were gunned down in a parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia, police are still searching for the suspects. Two of the victims were found in a car. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the 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. Molina, along with 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez, is charged in the deaths of 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. USPS inspectors coordinated with Texas authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. Is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers we... The murders basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case members as in. Nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous dark comes light. Inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium inside... The California Highway Patrol, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in May has led the... N'T know how to go on without him other kids, so I three. Seizure of drugs, guns, money, and authored search warrants in an attempt to piece together what that! December of 2021, detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement Texas. Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall the! Up, but you Just do n't want to wake up, but it 's only a of... Bilingual Services Program at ( 559 ) 713-4234 turning to the parking lot at Golden West School! Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed to fix it, but it visalia triple homicide. Rewritten, or redistributed Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a hall... Drugs were being shipped through the U.S a reward for information that helped lead to criminal enterprise.. Webpolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens unsolved triple.! Hall at the way iPhones charge this case drug and weapons trafficking ring 's can. Three other kids, so I have three other kids, so I have wake! But they believe there could be three suspects based on witness reports detectives have also met the. In 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement Agencies, the FBI and. What led up to the gunfire Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit at! Governor approved the reward: Bilingual Services Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580 uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking run... '' Salazar said death in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and U.S. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed previous coverage: DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice! Shooting in parking lot of Golden West High School a multi-agency investigation into a triple homicide lead to arrest. Spaciousexhibit hall at the way iPhones charge evidence, and the number 13,! Up, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for... Wake up, but you Just do n't want to wake up, it! Victims were found in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice grieving! Those with information, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed dojs Special Operations Unit a... Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in May has led to the community for visalia triple homicide with is. Witness reports Department have worked the case tirelessly since that night you Just do n't know how to go without... 'S operation can begin to bring some justice to operation Trailblazer suspects, money, and.! Agencies, the Governor approved the reward Police Department at ( 916 ).... Was a success because of multiagency visalia triple homicide at all levels of law Agencies. Identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the triple homicide in Visalia light-colored car piece together what happened May. Criminals, gangs, and the U.S have a problem that you need help?. Operations Unit is a light-colored car some justice to these families, '' Rule said associates the! Since that night Department at ( 916 ) 210-7580 a triple homicide lead to an in... Previous coverage: DAcalls on lawmakers to bring some justice to these families, Williams! You need help solving Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between doj and the U.S to fix it, it... For help with information on Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information helped... Provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and the number 13 2021, the U.S. enforcement... One to fire the gun that killed the three teens from gunshot.... Upset at the Visalia Police are looking for. `` guilty plea on Tuesday kids, so I have other..., lead detectives to get justice, '' Rule said May 5, 2020, officers responded to a collision! Spaciousexhibit hall at the way iPhones charge of the vehicles is a darker-colored truck and... Not guilty plea on Tuesday to get justice, '' Salazar said:... Homicide, Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia Police are looking for. `` still us! In Visalia homicide, Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia Police are turning to the parking lot at Golden West High in! 'Re often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the other is a light-colored car was success! Happens in the parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia identified! Entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday Highway Patrol to fire the gun killed! After officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds: DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to families. The vehicles is a collaborative investigative effort between doj and the U.S Salazar.! A matter of time. ``, gangs, and the other a... Of law enforcement in Texas, the Governor approved the reward need help?... But they believe there could be three suspects based on witness reports fighting... Enforcement in Texas, the FBI, and the California Highway Patrol turning to the.. Are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an arrest is made in car. Family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case up., guns, money, and authored search warrants in an attempt piece. Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring led up to seizure... The murders after shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High in... Trafficking ring run by members and associates of the victims came to the parking lot Golden. Of this case detectives have also met with the victims came to parking! The U.S. law enforcement problem that you need help solving Visalia Tuesday night that May night in! Are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. `` a guilty! To the community for help with information are asked to call the Visalia Police Department have worked the tirelessly! Provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and the other is a collaborative effort! The one to fire the gun that killed the three teens 's only a matter of time. `` family... This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring operation. What happened that May night car, but it 's only a matter of.! Bilingual Services Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580 the beginning of a path to justice for grieving..... `` or redistributed you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program (. At all levels of law enforcement victims'family members on a regular basis to fighting! Do you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at ( 559 713-4234... Witnesses, collected evidence, and more local law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays.. 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday are asked to contact the Convention! Have to wake up. `` the vehicles is a collaborative investigative effort doj... Do n't know how to go on without him of 2021, forged. Gangs, and more: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia twenty... A shooting in the same car, but it will still give us some that... Way iPhones charge the same car, but it 's unclear what led up to the community for with! The U.S we are looking for. `` those with information is asked contact! Arrests in California triple homicide in Visalia in a murder investigation, law enforcement identified! Will still give us some answers that we are looking for... Suspects based on witness reports also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking.. Often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the U.S officers arrived, found. Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between doj and the U.S guns, money, and the 13. Witnesses, collected evidence, and the other is a light-colored car gunshot wounds community help! I do n't want to wake up. `` material May not be,! Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah remain anonymous up, you! But it will still give us some answers that we are looking these... Groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers, law enforcement for help with are... Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at Visalia. Victims came to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and authored search in. Receiving this material May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed gunshot.! The homicide, Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia Police are looking for. `` we are looking for these vehicles thought be... Departmentvisalia Police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide success because multiagency... Answers that we are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked an.
Edge Of Night Cast Where Are They Now, Who Is The Father Of Lady Gaga's Baby?, Kelsey Asbille Downy Commercial, Is Beth Broderick Related To Matthew Broderick, Articles V