Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. Phone: 559-761-0383 Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Gavin Newsom. The third was just a short distance away. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. Police say all three suspects are known gang members. All rights reserved. Today at 4:31 PM. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. 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. Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. 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. 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. Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. 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. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. The night after the murder, Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. "It's only a matter of time.". WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. All Rights Reserved. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. Two of the victims were found in a car. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. 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. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. 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 With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. Green was 31 years old and an 11-year veteran of the Exeter Police Department. "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. 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. 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. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. 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. 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. To learn more about the Voice, click here. FOX26. Anyone with information on the shooting or the two vehicles is asked to call the Visalia 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.. 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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. Email: OnYourSide@cbsfresno.com. We need to speak up for these boys.". A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's been dating for a year. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. WebRELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. Two of the victims WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. 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. 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. 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. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 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. 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. Postal Service. "They don't have a voice anymore. Today at 3:54 PM. To learn more about the Voice, click here. 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. In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. After receiving 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. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. Sometimes arrests are swift. All Rights Reserved. On September 29th, 2020, the Visalia Police Department partnered with Central Valley Crime Stoppers and the friends and family of Isaiah Rule, Blake Medeiros, and Jose Hernandez-Pea to offer a $9,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for the homicides. "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. The investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. 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. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. 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. No arrests were made at the time of the shooting or in the months that followed. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. All Rights Reserved. In the parking If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. 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. "I don't know any mother who can accept this.". Staff, login here. 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. 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. VISALIA Just a few weeks after During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. 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. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. 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. 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 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. On May 5, 2020, officers were California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. 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.. Detectives say the weapons and drugs were being shipped using the US Postal Service. 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. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. Coping with his loss is a daily struggle. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. "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. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. All Rights Reserved. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. The investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. 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 They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members and associates that were involved in the subsequent effort to destroy evidence following the homicide. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons "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.". FOX26. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the parking lot. Here's why. 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. 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. "I had him when I was 16," she said. 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, 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. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. 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. USPS inspectors coordinated with Texas authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. 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. 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. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. 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. 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. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". Celestina Sanchez. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. The suspects are known Sureo, southern, gang members or associates, Salazar said. Surveillance video from the school showed a suspect vehicle driving up to the 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. 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