Once investigators learned of this criminal enterprise, they notified U.S. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1979-2023 Valley Voice, all rights reserved. Two of the victims were found in a car. 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. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. 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. 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Triple Homicide Update Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 (116.3 KB) More Info: 21-080714 Att. 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. 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. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the parking lot. 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.. When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. Detectives have contacted and interviewed numerous individuals, evaluated multiple items of evidence, and authored numerous search warrants to ascertain what occurred that night, and identify those responsible. The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". District Attorney Tim Ward added that while it took time to get to Thursday's announcement, prosecutors will work hard to ensure closure follows. 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. 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 All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "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.. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. Today at 4:31 PM. Postal Service. 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. Based on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being involved in the triple homicide that occurred in the City of Visalia on May 5, 2020. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. FOX26. "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. Detectives continued to work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. Anyone with information is asked to call the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. 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. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". 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. 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. 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. No arrests were made at the time of the shooting or in the months that followed. 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. Required fields are marked *. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. 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. "I had him when I was 16," she said. A press release from the Visalia Police Department. 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. "I don't know how to go on without him. Anyone with information on the shooting or the two vehicles is asked to call the Visalia Police Department. 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 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 was one of four agencies selected by Gov. 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. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. 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. 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. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 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. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. In the parking Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah. Postal Service, according to investigators. 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. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. 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. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? FOX26. 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.. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 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. All Rights Reserved. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. January 19, 2022, 9:38 AM. The suspects are known Sureo, southern, gang members or associates, Salazar said. 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. 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 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.". 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. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. 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. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. 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. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. 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. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. On Thursday, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Convention Center. After receiving I have three other kids, so I have to wake up, but you just don't want to wake up.". In the meantime, the victim's families are just waiting and praying for closure. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. 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. Coping with his loss is a daily struggle. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. 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. 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. 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. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. Here's why. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. 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. WebOn May 5, police found the three men shot and killed at Golden West High School in Visalia. Green was 31 years old and an 11-year veteran of the Exeter Police Department. Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death in the parking lot of Golden West High School. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. 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. 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. 20-year Mark "They've exhausted leads and that's why we're asking for the public's assistance," says Visalia Police Sgt. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. 2023 www.visaliatimesdelta.com. To learn more about the Voice, click here. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. Your email address will not be published. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. We need to be their voice. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. "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. 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. Arrested and charged inthe May 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot all levels of enforcement. Or associates, Salazar said Press Release Revision Date: 10/4/2021 ( 116.3 KB ) More Info: 21-080714.. A podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the way iPhones charge shots... Something ; it takes one person to give the right lead, '' Williams said upset at way! To death in the parking Candles and heartfelt messages surround a photo of Isaiah off our streets some! Police are turning to the community for help with information are asked call... And killed at Golden West High School green was 31 years old and 11-year! 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