Officers say the Governors reward of $50,000 is still available for those with direct knowledge of the shooting. 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. 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. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. 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. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. "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.". During the investigation, law During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. "I'm going to keep fighting. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1979-2023 Valley Voice, all rights reserved. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. 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. 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. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. 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. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. All Rights Reserved. 20-year Mark "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The weapons and drugs were being shipped through the U.S. "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. Ashley Williams is Blake's mother. Isaiah Rule, along with 19-year-old Blake Mederios and 19-year-old Jose Pena, were gunned down in the 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. 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.. Twenty-seven Sureo gang members were arrested, including the three Visalia homicide suspects. No arrests were made at the time of the shooting or in the months that followed. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. 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. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. 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. The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. FOX26. 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, Required fields are marked *. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. 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. 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, including todays operation,37arrests were made, at leastfiveviolent crimes were prevented, and a total of56firearms were seized from Sureo gang members and associates. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. 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. 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. 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. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. 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. 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. When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members and associates that were involved in the subsequent effort to destroy evidence following the homicide. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. 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. "They don't have a voice anymore. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal 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.. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. Anyone with DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. 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. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. 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. 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. 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. They interviewed numerous witnesses, collected evidence, and authored search warrants in an attempt to piece together what happened that May night. Police say all three suspects are known gang members. 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. Phone: 559-761-0383 Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. My family is going to keep fighting. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the WebVisalia police turns to community for help with info after triple homicide. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. 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. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. 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. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. Contact CBS47 and let us be On Your Side. 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. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. 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. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons 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. 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. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. "No family should have to endure a loss like that.". All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. 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. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. Your email address will not be published. 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 If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. FOX26. Your email address will not be published. Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the parking lot of Golden West High School. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. 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. WebSuspect in Visalia triple homicide pleads not guilty to murder charges. 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. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. One of the vehicles is a darker-colored truck, and the other is a light-colored car. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. 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. With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted 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. 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. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. 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.. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. 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. 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. Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. 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 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. 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. 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.. Previous coverage:DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer suspects. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. 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. 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. The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. 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. 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. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. 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. 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. 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. On May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. On May 5, 2020, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. VISALIA Just a few weeks after They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes Detectives, Special Enforcement Unit Officers, and Crime Scene Investigators were called out to assist in the investigation. 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. "It's only a matter of time.". "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. Green was 31 years old and an 11-year veteran of the Exeter Police Department. The suspects are known Sureo, southern, gang members or associates, Salazar said. 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. Two of the victims All Rights Reserved. Detectives say the weapons and drugs were being shipped using the US Postal Service. Postal Service, according to investigators. Anyone with information on the shooting or the two vehicles is asked to call the Visalia Police Department. 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., 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. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. 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. Two of the victims were found in a car. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. The teenagers 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.