At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. 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. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. 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. 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. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. All Rights Reserved. With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted All rights reserved. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. 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. WebOn May 5, police found the three men shot and killed at Golden West High School in Visalia. Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. 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 total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. 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. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. On May 5, 2020, Visalia police were called to Golden West High School for shots fired in the area. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the 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. Visalia was one of four agencies selected by Gov. Blake's mom, Ashley Williams, said she lost a piece of herself when her son's life was taken. 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. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. One of the vehicles is a darker-colored truck, and the other is a light-colored car. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. 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. "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. 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. 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. The weapons and drugs were being shipped through the U.S. 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 teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. To learn more about the Voice, click here. 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. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. She says not having any answers is the hardest part. Police say all three suspects are known gang members. 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. 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 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. 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. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". 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. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the 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. "I sit there waiting for him walking through the door," she said. 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. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. But they believe there could be three suspects based on witness reports. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 20-year Mark Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. She and the other mothers have organized a justice walk to raise awareness. Postal Inspectors and coordinated with local Texas Law Enforcement Agencies, the F.B.I., and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. USPS inspectors coordinated with Texas authorities, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office to seize several postal packages. The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. 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. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. Detectives also met with the victims'family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. 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.. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. No arrests were made at the time of the shooting or in the months that followed. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. 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. 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. 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. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. We need to be their voice. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. 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. In December of 2021, the Governor approved the reward. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. It's still unclear how or if the suspects knew the victims before gunfire erupted. 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. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. Required fields are marked *. "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.". Detectives continued to work leads and analyze data collected during the investigation. 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. 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. DOJs Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between DOJ and the California Highway Patrol. 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. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring todays operation. Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov, State of California Department of Justice, Consumer Protection and Economic Opportunity, California Justice Information Services (CJIS), Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest of Gang Members Invo. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. Those individuals with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 713-4234. The investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. Anyone with "It's only a matter of time.". "Our hope is that today's operation can begin to bring some justice to these families," Salazar said. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule said. The third was just a short distance away. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. 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. 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. The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. 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. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. To learn more about the Voice, click here. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. We need to speak up for these boys.". Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. The investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. 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. FOX26. 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, Your email address will not be published. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. 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The teenagers Surveillance video from the school showed a suspect vehicle driving up to the 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. 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. 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. Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members and associates that were involved in the subsequent effort to destroy evidence following the 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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