"They don't have a voice anymore. My family is going to keep fighting. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. 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. 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.. 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. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at 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. Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. 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. Authorities have announced the arrests of three men in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in May 2020 in Visalia. After a four-month investigation, participating law enforcement agencies say they prevented at least fiveviolent crimes and seized 56 firearms from Sureo gang members. RELATED: 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. A $9,000 reward is available through Valley Crime Stoppers. I don't know how to accept that he is gone.". Phone: 559-761-0383 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. 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. 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. The teenagers were found dead from gunshot wounds inside of a vehicle near the high school. WebOn May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia. RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. 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Anyone with 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. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. 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., Todays announcement is the result of a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal agencies targeting a violent gangs supply chain of methamphetamine, said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. WebBased on all information revealed during the investigation, detectives have identified suspects Mark Aceves (20), Cesar Lopez (19), and Abraham Molina (20) as being This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. Contact CBS47 and let us be On Your Side. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. Additional arrests are expected to be made by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Texas in connection with this investigation. Officers say the Governors reward of $50,000 is still available for those with direct knowledge of the shooting. The investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. 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. All Rights Reserved. They found two men dead in a vehicle and another nearby in the parking lot. 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. The day that an arrest is made in a murder investigation, marks the beginning of a path to justice for grieving families. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. 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. (Los Angeles Times) Late Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San 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. 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. 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. "As a mother they are a part of you so you don't just physically feel like you're dying, it is mentally, it is spiritually, it is everything," she said. 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. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. 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. 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. "I'm going to keep fighting. All Rights Reserved. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. In total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. 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.. 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. "No family should have to endure a loss like that.". 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. WebThree Gang Members Suspected in Triple Homicide in Visalia Arrested. All rights reserved. If we can suffocate their funding sources, we can cripple their operations. We need to be their voice. Balderama and Williams said they still don't know what happened the night of the shooting. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. 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. FOX26. The Golden West mascot is the trailblazers. 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. Celestina Sanchez. Here's why. Investigators from several agencies, including the Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, the Tulare County District Attorney's Office, the Attorney General's Office and the FBI arrested 20-year-old Mark Aceves, 19-year-old Cesar Lopez, and 20-year-old Abraham Molina Thursday morning. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. They were shot to death in May of 2020 in the parking lot at 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. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. Those seizures resulted in eighteen (18) firearms and twenty (20) pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. VISALIA The reward to catch those who gunned down three teens in the Golden West parking lot last year is now $61,000 thanks to the governor. TRAFFIC ALERT: Several lanes are now blocked going North on Highway 41 due to a multiple-vehicle collision in Fresno. Once investigators learned of this criminal enterprise, they notified U.S. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. "Just lead us, lead detectives to get justice," Rule 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. All Rights Reserved. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? Anyone with information is asked to call the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. "It is not going to fix it, but it will still give us some answers that we are looking for.". On May 5, 2020, officers were Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. To learn more about the Voice, click here. Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. 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. 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. 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. On May 5, 2020, officers responded to a shooting 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. 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. 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 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. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who risked their safety to investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. 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. DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. Those seizures resulted in 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine being intercepted by law enforcement. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. Today at 4:31 PM. 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. This investigation utilized law enforcement departments from the local, state and federal level and resulted Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. 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. Mark Aceves,20;Cesar Lopez, 19;and Abraham Molina, 20, were arrested and charged inthe May 2020 triple homicide. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. The night after the murder, We need to speak up for these boys.". Two of the victims were found in a car. Anyone with information is urged tocall the Visalia Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 713-4234. Police say all three suspects are known gang members. Your email address will not be published. Nikkole Rule-Balderrama says when she found out the police had made multiple arrests in her sons 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. 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. All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. This investigation was a success because of multiagency collaboration at all levels of law enforcement. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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. 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. Previous coverage:DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer 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. 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. 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