Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. WebSuspect in Visalia triple homicide pleads not guilty to murder charges. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. 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. 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. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. Blake's mom, Ashley Williams, said she lost a piece of herself when her son's life was taken. The investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. 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, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. 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 teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. Two of the victims were found in a car. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward, and Eastern District Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Sanchez were on-hand to announce the arrests of Mark Aceves, 20, Cesar Lopez, 19, and Abraham Molina, 20 on charges related to the deaths of three teens in Visalia in 2020. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. 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.. 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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. 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. Investigators from several agencies, including the Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, the Tulare County District Attorney's Office, the Attorney General's Office and the FBI arrested 20-year-old Mark Aceves, 19-year-old Cesar Lopez, and 20-year-old Abraham Molina Thursday morning. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. "I don't know any mother who can accept this.". DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. 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. On May 5, 2020, officers were "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. 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. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Violent Crimes Detectives with the Visalia Police Department have worked the case tirelessly since that night. 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. 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. 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. 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. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons Officers say the Governors reward of $50,000 is still available for those with direct knowledge of the shooting. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted 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. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. "I don't know how to go on without him. 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 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. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. We need to speak up for these boys.". The teenagers Here's why. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. 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. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the 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. Staff, login here. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. WebPolice say Molina was the one to fire the gun that killed the three teens. 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RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. Anyone with information on the shooting or the two vehicles is asked to call the Visalia Police Department. Postal Service, according to investigators. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. During the investigation, law I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". 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. 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. 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. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. 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. 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. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? 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. 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. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. Detectives say the weapons and drugs were being shipped using the US Postal Service. 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. FOX26. 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. To learn more about the Voice, click here. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. 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 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. Postal Service. WebVISALIA, 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. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. 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