Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. 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, VISALIA Just a few weeks after 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. Violent Crimes Detectives with the Visalia Police Department have worked the case tirelessly since that night. 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. Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. 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. 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. 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. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. The weapons and drugs were being shipped through the U.S. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years," Ward said. 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. 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. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. "I don't know any mother who can accept this.". 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 My family is going to keep fighting. 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. 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. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal On May 5, 2020, officers were Blake's mom, Ashley Williams, said she lost a piece of herself when her son's life was taken. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. Previous coverage:DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer suspects. Officers say the Governors reward of $50,000 is still available for those with direct knowledge of the shooting. Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 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. Your email address will not be published. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the parking lot. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. After receiving All Rights Reserved. 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.. 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. Here's why. 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. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. 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 May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". 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. Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the parking lot of Golden West High School. To learn more about the Voice, click here. No arrests were made at the time of the shooting or in the months that followed. 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. 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. Phone: 559-761-0383 FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". 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. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. "They don't have a voice anymore. 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 WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. 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. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. Staff, login here. Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. WebOn May 5, police found the three men shot and killed at Golden West High School in Visalia. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Celestina Sanchez. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. 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. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. 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. 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. 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. 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. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. The weapons and narcotics were being shipped through the U.S. 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. 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. 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. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. "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. (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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