3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. Email: OnYourSide@cbsfresno.com. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. 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. I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". January 19, 2022, 9:38 AM. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. 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. 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. "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. The night after the murder, The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. 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. The teenagers Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. 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 Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. 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. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. 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. RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. 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. 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. 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. Two of the victims were found in a car. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. Celestina Sanchez. 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 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.. WebVisalia police turns to community for help with info after triple homicide. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. All Rights Reserved. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. 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. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. 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. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. 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. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. All Rights Reserved. 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. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the parking lot of Golden West High School. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. 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. 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. 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. Sometimes arrests are swift. 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. Today, 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. On Thursday, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Convention Center. 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. Your email address will not be published. 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. Staff, login here. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. 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. 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. "I don't know any mother who can accept this.". FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. "It's only a matter of time.". 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. 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. 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. Copyright - California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California DOJ Assists Detectives with Homicide, ABC Agents Arrest Two Bartenders Accused of Serving, Seven Arrested for 2020 Homicide of a 15-Year-Old in Visalia, CDFW Wardens Safely Transport Mountain Lion Out of, CSLEA Political & Legislative Consultants. "I don't know how to go on without him. On May 5, 2020, officers were 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. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. FOX26. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 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. 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. Postal Service, according to investigators. All Rights Reserved. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. All Rights Reserved. "No family should have to endure a loss like that.". As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years," Ward said. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. 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. 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. Ashley Williams is Blake's mother. 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All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. 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. In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. 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. The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) In a joint press conference Thursday, state and local officials announced the arrest of suspects said to be involved in the 2020 deaths of three teens in Visalia. WebSuspect in Visalia triple homicide pleads not guilty to murder charges. Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. To learn more about the Voice, click here. 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Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons 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. 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. 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. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. 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. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. Two of the victims 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. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. Required fields are marked *. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. 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