Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". 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. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. 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. All Rights Reserved. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. 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. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. "I sit there waiting for him walking through the door," she said. 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. Throughout 2020 and 2021,detectives forged ahead in theirinvestigation. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. Police believe the victims came to the parking lot in the same car, but it's unclear what led up to the gunfire. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. WebOn May 5, police found the three men shot and killed at 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.". On Thursday, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Convention Center. "I had him when I was 16," she said. 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 National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. 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. 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. 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 United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. 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. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. "They don't have a voice anymore. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal 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. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. 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. 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. 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. WebSuspect in Visalia triple homicide pleads not guilty to murder charges. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the 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. The third was just a short distance away. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. Rule says they plan to hold another justice walk on Wednesday in front of the Visalia Police Department to keep the boy's memory and investigation alive. Isaiah Rule, along with 19-year-old Blake Mederios and 19-year-old Jose Pena, were gunned down in the 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. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted My family is going to keep fighting. 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. Theyve authored ninety (90) search warrants, conducted sixty (60) interviews, searched over two hundred twenty (220) digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. The suspects are known Sureo, southern, gang members or associates, Salazar said. 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. 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. DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. Your email address will not be published. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. 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. 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. As you know, sometimes it takes months and even years," Ward said. 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. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. Violent Crimes Detectives with the Visalia Police Department have worked the case tirelessly since that night. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the parking lot. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. 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. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. Your email address will not be published. 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 5th 2020, Isaiah was gunned down in the Golden West High School parking lot along with his two friends, Blake Medeiros and Jose Hernandez. We need to speak up for these boys.". 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San 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.. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. Officers arrived and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. 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. 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. 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 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.". 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. Contact CBS47 and let us be On Your Side. 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. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. They're often identified by wearing blue bandanas, clothes and jewelry and the number 13. 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. 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. WebThree Gang Members Suspected in Triple Homicide in Visalia Arrested. The investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. "And that they can begin to heal knowing that those who are responsible for this crime are in custody where they belong.". Twenty-seven Sureo gang members were arrested, including the three Visalia homicide suspects. 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.. Visalia Police DepartmentVisalia police are looking for these vehicles thought to be linked to an unsolved triple homicide. Additionally, arrests will also be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. We need to be their voice. "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. On May 5, 2020, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being Today at 3:54 PM. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? All Rights Reserved. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. Celestina Sanchez. Postal Service. 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 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. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. During the investigation, law Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes Detectives, Special Enforcement Unit Officers, and Crime Scene Investigators were called out to assist in the investigation. USPS inspectors coordinated with Texas authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. The firearms were then sold to local gang members or smuggled into Mexico in exchange for morenarcotics. 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. 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. "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. After receiving 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. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. 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. Do you have a problem that you need help solving night of the.. 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