"It's only a matter of time.". 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. District Attorney Tim Ward added that while it took time to get to Thursday's announcement, prosecutors will work hard to ensure closure follows. Jose Carlos Hernandez Pena, 19, Isaiah Rule, 18, and Blake Madeiros, 19, were found dead in the 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. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. He was surrounded by local, stateand federal law enforcement. Contact CBS47 and let us be On Your Side. 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. 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. "I don't know how to go on without him. Arrests in California triple homicide lead to criminal enterprise bust. 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. The investigation also uncovered a drug and firearm trafficking ring run by members and associates of the Sureos. Staff, login here. The third was just a short distance away. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. WebLate Tuesday night, police officers in Visalia, a San Joaquin Valley city about 40 miles southeast of Fresno, responded to a report of shots fired at a high school. 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.. How did, Whats driving the players behind Israels legal, European Union finalizing plans to allow US tourists, Prince Philip is laid to rest as somber queen sits, Countries worldwide hit new records for virus cases,, WHO team: More studies needed of coronavirus origin, Trains collide in southern Egypt, killing at least, Who are the superspreaders behind top COVID-19 conspiracy, Global death toll from COVID-19 tops 2 million, US now says no evidence of kill capture teams at, Georgia Rep. Greene says she plans to file articles, Preliminary 7.4 quake shakes Mexico Tuesday morning, The 4 others arrested in connection with bombing, State of emergency declared in Madera County, power, Efforts to restore power to areas affected by storm, I-5 reopens with CHP escorts Wednesday afternoon, A drug-resistant infection has health experts on, Caltrans: Highway 140 closed in Midpines due to rockslides, MCSO names new agriculture crimes detective, CLOSED: Yosemite Unified shuts all schools for the, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- One suspect has made his first court appearance in connection to a Visalia triple homicide. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. The investigation has had far-reaching impacts not just in Visalia but across three states and into Mexico. During the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Sureo gang members as suspects in the murders. 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. On Thursday, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar stood at a podium placed inside a spaciousexhibit hall at the Visalia Convention Center. January 19, 2022, 9:38 AM. 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. Law enforcement agents also seized24 firearmsduring the operation. The unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. 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. "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. The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take on these criminal organizations.. Breakthrough, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Government must build a better process for infrastructure projects | Opinion. WebVisalia Police Chief Jason Salazar held a joint press conference with county, state and federal law enforcement officials Jan. 13 to announce the arrest of three people for the Those with information are asked to contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 713-4234. 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 had him when I was 16," she 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. "I sit there waiting for him walking through the door," she said. The Visalia Police Department investigation into an unsolved triple homicide was given a boost by Gov. After receiving several tips, investigators ask for the public's help to identify the owner or anyone associated with two vehicles. California DOJ partnered with local law enforcement in Texas, the U.S. WebThe investigation into a triple homicide in Visalia in May has led to the seizure of drugs, guns, money, and more. "Information they may not think is relevant, if they can still please reach out to the Visalia PD and report any info they have.". 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. 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. 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. 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. 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. All three suspects are known gang members in the Cities of Visalia and Ivanhoe. 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. 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. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. Previous coverage:DAcalls on lawmakers to bring justice to Operation Trailblazer suspects. Aceves and Lopez will be arraigned on January 25. Anyone with information is asked to call the Visalia Police Department and you can remain anonymous. FOX26. 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. Gavin Newsom to receive the reward. Now, nearly three months since the homicide, Visalia police are turning to the community for help with information. Thank you to all of the officers and agents who worked together to solve these murders and get those involved off our streets.. Police say all three men are gang members or associates. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Salazar also gave details surrounding Operation Trailblazer a multi-agency investigation into a drug and weapons trafficking ring. 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. Visalia Police Department Violent Crimes Detectives, Special Enforcement Unit Officers, and Crime Scene Investigators were called out to assist in the investigation. According to detectives, the investigation into the shooting led to the discovery of a criminal enterprise operating across state lines and into the country of Mexico. Investigators say they learned that area gang members and associates were bringing guns from Texas and paying for the weapons with drugs including meth and cocaine obtained from Mexican traffickers. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's hard; I don't know how to accept it," says mother of 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. "Somebody knows something; it takes one person to give the right lead," Rule said. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. After four (4) months of collaborative investigation with our law enforcement partners, the Visalia Police Department and assisting agencies prevented at least four (4) violent crimes from occurring and seized a total of thirty-one (31) firearms from Sureo gang members and associates. 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. Here's why. 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. "Whatever happens in the dark comes to light," Williams said. 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. "Our deepest sympathies to the families who've been impacted by this terrible crime and who lost their loved ones that night," he said. Additionally, detectives identified several other Sureo gang members and associates that were involved in the subsequent effort to destroy evidence following the homicide. Abraham Molina, 20, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. At the same time, a photo of possiblevehicle used in the slayingwere released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspects. Detectives have also met with the victims family members on a regular basis to keep them updated on the progress of this case. Loved ones say they will never be at ease until those responsible are held accountable, "We're going to keep fighting," said Balderama. 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. The teenagers 3 dead after shooting in parking lot at Golden West High School in Visalia. RELATED: 3 men arrested in connection to 2020 triple homicide in Visalia. WebOn May 5, police found the three men shot and killed at 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. 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 unit provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. 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Once officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle in the parking lot. Do you have a problem that you need help solving? With that information, law enforcement agencies were able to seize 18 firearms and 20 pounds of cocaine. "We want to know what happened to our boys," said Williams. Phone: 559-761-0383 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. In October, detectivesapplied for a $50,000 reward through the State of California Governors Office to help solve the case. In May 2020, investigators say they responded to reports of shots being fired in the high school parking lot. Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar and other authorities announced Thursday, January 13, 2022 the arrest of dozens of members of the Sureo criminal Molina, along with 20-year Mark Aceves and 19-year old Cesar Lopez, is charged in the deaths of 19-year-old Jose Hernandez-Pena, 19-year-old Blake Medeiros, and 18-year-old Isaiah Rule. When officers arrived, they found Jose Pena, Black Medeiros and Isaiah Rule shot to death. Celestina Sanchez. 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. 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 total, detectives authored 90 search warrants, conducted 60 interviews, searched over 220 digital accounts, and followed up on numerous anonymous tips. The team also seized approximately20pounds of cocaine from suspects involved in the trafficking. WebThree men were fatally shot in the parking lot of Golden West High School in Visalia Tuesday night. Postal Service. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California to seize several postal packages containing18firearms. All three of the suspects are Sureo street gang members or associates. 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