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. 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. 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. Everybody's family is going to keep fighting.". 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. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the parking lot. 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 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. All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. They interviewed numerous witnesses, collected evidence, and authored search warrants in an attempt to piece together what happened that May night. The victims in this case were identified as Jose Hernandez-Pena (19), Isaiah Rule (18), and Blake Medeiros (19). Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. 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. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. "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. 20-year Mark 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 Email: OnYourSide@cbsfresno.com. 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. Once investigators learned of this criminal enterprise, they notified U.S. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. All rights reserved. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. "No family should have to endure a loss like that.". Your email address will not be published. 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. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San One of the vehicles is a darker-colored truck, and the other is a light-colored car. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. 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. All Rights Reserved. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. On Dec. 20, Gov. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. 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. 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. 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. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. January 19, 2022, 9:38 AM. 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. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. 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. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. The night after the murder, Anyone with information on the shooting or the two vehicles is asked to call the Visalia Police Department. 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. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". 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. Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. 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. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. Gavin Newsom. Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at Golden West High School. The Visalia Police Department was aided by the followingagencies: I am grateful that this investigation has led to the arrests of suspects involved and that this will begin to bring healing and justice to their families. Salazar said. "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.. Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the parking lot of Golden West High School. 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. On Dec. 20, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a reward for information that helped lead to an arrest in the triple homicide. 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. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. District Attorney Tim Ward added that while it took time to get to Thursday's announcement, prosecutors will work hard to ensure closure follows. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. Detectives say the weapons and drugs were being shipped using the US Postal Service. To learn more about the Voice, click here. 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. "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. 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. To learn more about the Voice, click here. 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. WebArrests in Visalia triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & On September 29th, 2020, the Visalia Police Department partnered with Central Valley Crime Stoppers and the friends and family of Isaiah Rule, Blake Medeiros, and Jose Hernandez-Pea to offer a $9,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for the homicides. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. 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. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. Today at 3:54 PM. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons 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. "I sit there waiting for him walking through the door," she said. 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. On May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. 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. 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. FOX26. 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. We need to speak up for these boys.". WebVisalia police turns to community for help with info after triple homicide. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. 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. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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