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. All Rights Reserved. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. 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 assistance of these various agencies was imperative in helping the Visalia Police Department to bolster the cases against the identified suspects and their associates. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". 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. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. 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. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. 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. 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.. 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. 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.. 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. 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. Ashley Williams is Blake's mother. 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. "It's only a matter of time.". My family is going to keep fighting. Twenty-seven Sureo gang members were arrested, including the three Visalia homicide suspects. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. Today at 4:31 PM. 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. 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. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1979-2023 Valley Voice, all rights reserved. The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal In the meantime, the victim's families are just waiting and praying for closure. 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. 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. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. Here's why. Sometimes arrests are swift. 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. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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.. "No family should have to endure a loss like that.". Phone: 559-761-0383 All Rights Reserved. Detectives continued to work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. 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. 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. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. Surveillance video from the school showed a suspect vehicle driving up to the 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 the parking 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. On May 5, 2020, officers were "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. 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. 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. 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Anyone with information on the shooting or the two vehicles is asked to call the Visalia Police Department. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. 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. Officers say the Governors reward of $50,000 is still available for those with direct knowledge of the shooting. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. During the investigation, law 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. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. 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. Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. On Dec. 20, Gov. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. 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. 20-year Mark We need to be their voice. To learn more about the Voice, click here. The teenagers 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. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. District Attorney Tim Ward added that while it took time to get to Thursday's announcement, prosecutors will work hard to ensure closure follows. 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. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being On May 5, 2020, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. Celestina Sanchez. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Staff, login here. 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. The governors reward of $50,000 is still available to material witnesses who can provide investigators and prosecutors with direct knowledge of the triple homicide. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? Two of the victims 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 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., Todays announcement is the result of a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal agencies targeting a violent gangs supply chain of methamphetamine, said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. All Rights Reserved. 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. All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. 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. 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. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. 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. Have a problem that you need help solving sold to local gang members or smuggled into in... 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