USPS inspectors coordinated with Texas authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. Officers say the Governors reward of $50,000 is still available for those with direct knowledge of the shooting. All Rights Reserved. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. Everybody's family is going to keep fighting.". 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 investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. Girls high school basketball team forfeits a game because it refused to play against a team with a transgender player, Fox Leaders Wanted to Break From Trump but Struggled to Make It Happen, Not Going to Read That: White House Press Secretary Brushes Off DeSantis Op-Ed, Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, A $5 Billion Market Awaits this A.I. 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. Green was 31 years old and an 11-year veteran of the Exeter Police Department. 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. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted WebVisalia police turns to community for help with info after triple homicide. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. 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. Nearly two years after three teenagers were gunned down in the parking lot of Golden West High School, their grieving families were told arrests had finally been made. The night after the murder, She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. Postal Service, according to investigators. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. 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. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years," Ward said. VISALIA The reward to catch those who gunned down three teens in the Golden West parking lot last year is now $61,000 thanks to the governor. 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. 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. Further investigation into the gang revealed that several members and associates were importingboth stolen and lawfully purchasedfirearmsfrom Texasusing proceeds from the sale oftheillegal narcoticswhich were being trafficked into California from Mexico. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. Today at 3:54 PM. Coping with his loss is a daily struggle. Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. To learn more about the Voice, click here. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. Sometimes arrests are swift. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. All Rights Reserved. (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Anyone with information is asked to call the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. Two of the victims were found in a car. Based on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being involved in the triple homicide that occurred in the City of Visalia on May 5, 2020. 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. 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. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". WebVisalia Police Chief Jason Salazar held a joint press conference with county, state and federal law enforcement officials Jan. 13 to announce the arrest of three people for the 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. WebPhoto provided by the Visalia Police Department The shooting occurred on May 5, 2020, at Golden West High School in Visalia where Jose Hernandez-Pea, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, One of the vehicles is a darker-colored truck, and the other is a light-colored car. "It's only a matter of time.". In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes Detectives, Special Enforcement Unit Officers, and Crime Scene Investigators were called out to assist in the investigation. 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. 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. 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. VISALIA On January 13, 2022, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies announced the outcomes of a major operation that resulted in the arrests of three gang members suspected of killing three teenagers at a local high school in Visalia in 2020. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. 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. Blake's mom, Ashley Williams, said she lost a piece of herself when her son's life was taken. 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 VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. WebArrests in Visalia triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. 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. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". "I had him when I was 16," she said. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. Phone: 559-761-0383 During the investigation, law All Rights Reserved. The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. 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. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. The teenagers Police say all three suspects are known gang members. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov, State of California Department of Justice, Consumer Protection and Economic Opportunity, California Justice Information Services (CJIS), Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest of Gang Members Invo. Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members and associates that were involved in the subsequent effort to destroy evidence following the homicide. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". WebVisalia Police and multiple law enforcement agencies arrested three gang members in a May 2020 triple homicide at local high school, others on drug, weapons charges This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. We need to be their voice. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. In the parking 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. On Thursday, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Convention Center. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons 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. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. On Dec. 20, Gov. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. My family is going to keep fighting. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. Anyone with "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". 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. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. 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. 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. Twenty-seven Sureo gang members were arrested, including the three Visalia homicide suspects. 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. During the January 13th search and arrest operation,27Sureos members and associates were arrested, including three who are suspected to be directly involved in the triple homicide. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. Newsom declares state of emergency due to winter, Almond blooms could see damage with hard freeze overnight, Fresno Sheriff Snowcat Team fully staffed for 1st, Fresno serial-bombing suspect arrested: everything, All in the family: Lemus siblings make history with, WATCH: Clovis Highs dramatic final minute and postgame, Game Preview: Kerman boys basketball hosts first-round, WATCH: Selland Arena HS Basketball Music Video, Ulti-mutt Fan Photo Contest by The Good Feet Store, Holiday Trivia Contest by Dragons Hoard Games & Collectables, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Almond blooms could see damage with overnight valley, How to see Venus, Jupiter nighttime kiss, Serial-bombing suspect arrested: everything we know, Denmark: Statue of Little Mermaid vandalized again, Egypt raises price of gasoline in latest hike amid, Greek rail workers strike over conditions after deadly, Russian strike on Ukraine apartment block kills 3,, Extradited Indian charged with murder in Australian, 20 injured by turbulence aboard Germany to Mauritius, UK is grappling with vegetable shortages. January 19, 2022, 9:38 AM. On May 5th 2020, Isaiah was gunned down in the Golden West High School parking lot along with his two friends, Blake Medeiros and Jose Hernandez. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. "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. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. Surveillance video from the school showed a suspect vehicle driving up to the Detectives say the weapons and drugs were being shipped using the US Postal Service. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. The investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. 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. 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. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. Email: OnYourSide@cbsfresno.com. 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. On May 5, 2020, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. Your email address will not be published. Gavin Newsom authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the unsolved homicide case dating back to May 5, 2020. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1979-2023 Valley Voice, 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. WebThree Gang Members Suspected in Triple Homicide in Visalia Arrested. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. To learn more about the Voice, click here. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. 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. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. 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. 20-year Mark 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. 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. 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. Gavin Newsom. Today at 4:31 PM. 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. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. On Thursday, 300 officers from multiple law enforcement agenciesserved 27 state search warrants, 18 state arrest warrants, five federal search warrantsand four federal arrest warrants. VISALIA Just a few weeks after The assistance of these various agencies was imperative in helping the Visalia Police Department to bolster the cases against the identified suspects and their associates. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. All rights reserved. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal Detectives continued to work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation. 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. The weapons and drugs were being shipped through the U.S. Required fields are marked *. Isaiah Rule, along with 19-year-old Blake Mederios and 19-year-old Jose Pena, were gunned down in the "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. "They don't have a voice anymore. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. But they believe there could be three suspects based on witness reports. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. We need to speak up for these boys.". WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. 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. Detectives have contacted and interviewed numerous individuals, evaluated multiple items of evidence, and authored numerous search warrants to ascertain what occurred that night, and identify those responsible. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. Postal Service. 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. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. Celestina Sanchez. 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. 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. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. Two of the victims They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. "I don't know any mother who can accept this.". Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. On May 5, 2020, officers were A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. Once investigators learned of this criminal enterprise, they notified U.S. They interviewed numerous witnesses, collected evidence, and authored search warrants in an attempt to piece together what happened that May night. All Rights Reserved. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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.