Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. "They don't have a voice anymore. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. 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. 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. 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. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. WebVisalia police turns to community for help with info after triple homicide. 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. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. Anyone with Email: OnYourSide@cbsfresno.com. 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. Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide. 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. 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 team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. "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.". Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. 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. 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. 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. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. 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. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. 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 Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. 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. "No family should have to endure a loss like that.". In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. 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. WebSuspect in Visalia triple homicide pleads not guilty to murder charges. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. Today at 4:31 PM. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. 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. 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. "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. 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. Contact CBS47 and let us be On Your Side. 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. 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. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. "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. Police say all three suspects are known gang members. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. VISALIA Just a few weeks after In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). 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. Ashley Williams is Blake's mother. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. 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. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. Detectives continued to work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. Postal Service, according to investigators. 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. 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. 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. 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. "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. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. "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. Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. 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 investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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 I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". 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. Over the course of the investigation, including todays operation,37arrests were made, at leastfiveviolent crimes were prevented, and a total of56firearms were seized from Sureo gang members and associates. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. Green was 31 years old and an 11-year veteran of the Exeter Police Department. 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. "I don't know any mother who can accept this.". 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. January 19, 2022, 9:38 AM. 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. After receiving 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.. Sometimes arrests are swift. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. 20-year Mark "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. 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