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. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. Here's why. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. 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. The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). 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 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. VISALIA Just a few weeks after Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. 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. DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 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. According to detectives, an investigation into a 2020 shooting in Visalia that killed three teenagers led to the discovery of a criminal enterprise operating across state lines and into the country of Mexico.. "In this particular case, it took hard-working detectives from the Visalia Police Department who never gave up it took all of us working together to shepherd in this monumental operations resolution.. "I had him when I was 16," she said. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. 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. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1979-2023 Valley Voice, all rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. On May 5, 2020, officers were Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Required fields are marked *. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. 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. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". 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. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. All rights reserved. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal The teenagers Email: OnYourSide@cbsfresno.com. 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. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. 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.. Anyone with information is asked to call the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. Police say all three suspects are known gang members. 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 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 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. 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. Detectives say the weapons and drugs were being shipped using the US Postal Service. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. 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. All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. 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. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. Postal Service. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. Everybody's family is going to keep fighting.". 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. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. Two of the victims 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. To learn more about the Voice, click here. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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. Surveillance video from the school showed a suspect vehicle driving up to 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. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. During the investigation, law In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. 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. 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 RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. We need to speak up for these boys.". Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes Detectives, Special Enforcement Unit Officers, and Crime Scene Investigators were called out to assist in the investigation. Staff, login here. 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. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. The suspects are known Sureo, southern, gang members or associates, Salazar said. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. 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. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. "As a mother they are a part of you so you don't just physically feel like you're dying, it is mentally, it is spiritually, it is everything," she said. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. 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 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. 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. "They don't have a voice anymore. 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. Today at 3:54 PM. 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.. Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being Two of the victims were found in a car. 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. 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. 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. 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. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. Once investigators learned of this criminal enterprise, they notified U.S. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. To learn more about the Voice, click here. The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years," Ward said. Gavin Newsom. 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. Previous coverage:DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer suspects. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. 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. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. 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. RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. FOX26. 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. 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. Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. "I'm going to keep fighting. "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". 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. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. 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. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. 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 investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. WebThree Gang Members Suspected in Triple Homicide in Visalia Arrested. 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. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. Your email address will not be published. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. 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. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. 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. 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. Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide. All Rights Reserved. "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. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. 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 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. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. WebOn May 5, police found the three men shot and killed at Golden West High School in Visalia. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. 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. 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.
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