Last night, Sheriff’s detectives have made an arrest in connection with the sexual assault of an elderly woman that occurred on October 3, 2015 in North Sacramento.  Detectives arrested a 17 year old suspect for the charges of rape, robbery, false imprisonment, and elder abuse.  The suspect is not currently eligible for bail.

A little after 7:00 a.m. on October 3, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a sexual assault that just occurred.  Sheriff’s deputies responded and located the elderly female victim, who stated an unknown male entered her house through a screen door and sexually assaulted her.  The victim tried to fight off the suspect to no avail.  There was no weapon seen during the assault.  The suspect then fled the residence in an unknown direction of travel.  The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 9:00 a.m. on October 12, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call from a passerby, regarding a deceased body located near the railroad tracks north of Calvine Road.  Responding deputies located the unidentified female victim with apparent head trauma.  The victim was declared deceased at the scene.  The scene was secured and treated like a homicide.  The cause of death of the victim is still undetermined at this time.

A canvass of the surrounding area was conducted.  Witnesses stated gunshots were heard in the area during the late evening hours of October 11th, but it is not confirmed if those gunshots were related to the victim’s death.

Homicide Detectives are on scene, and are in the beginning stages of the investigation. The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to her next of kin.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477)

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

In a ceremony held this morning in Long Beach, California, Sheriff Scott Jones was sworn in as the President of the California Peace Officers’ Association (CPOA).  Sheriff Jones previously held the position of First Vice President of CPOA, and is deeply honored to have been selected by fellow law enforcement officials to lead this prestigious organization.   CPOA is comprised of over 3000 law enforcement officials of various ranks from law enforcement agencies throughout the state of California.

Since its inception in 1921, the CPOA has operated with a mission to support law enforcement throughout the state of California to ensure the safety of our communities.  CPOA does this by providing focused resources for leadership development, professional growth, and advocacy of public policy on behalf of all peace officers.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the death of a female found near the railroad tracks in South Sacramento yesterday.  The death has been ruled a homicide, and it appears the victim had been shot.

A little after 9:00 a.m. on October 12, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call from a passerby, regarding a deceased body located near the railroad tracks north of Calvine Road.  Responding deputies located the unidentified female victim.  The victim was declared deceased at the scene.  The scene was secured and treated like a homicide.  Deputies conducted a canvass of the surrounding area.  Witnesses stated gunshots were heard in the area during the late evening hours of October 11th.

The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to her next of kin.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477)

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Earlier this morning (October 15, 2015), a 44-year old male inmate who was in custody at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center, was transported to a local hospital with a medical emergency.  The victim had been in custody since October 1st of this year on drug-related charge.

Shortly before 7:45 a.m. today, deputies were alerted by other inmates that the victim was having medical problems.  Deputies and medical staff responded and immediately began to attempt lifesaving measures on the victim.  These efforts were continued until the arrival of emergency medical personnel from outside of the facility. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.   The victim was housed in barracks, but showed no visible signs of trauma and there is no foul play suspected.

The Sheriff’s Department will complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedure and state laws. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine a cause of death and forward its findings as prescribed by law. The identity of the deceased victim will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after notification has been made to his next of kin.   

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

The Sacramento Police Department received a call at approximately 10:20 a.m. this morning, stating David Barnes, 12, and Thomas Christian, 11, had been located.  The reporting person saw the missing person’s report on the news, and immediately called the Sacramento Police Department, who then notified the Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s detectives learned that the children left the residence where they were last seen at 5:30 p.m. on October 16th by witnesses, and walked to a relative’s house in the Del Paso Heights area of Sacramento last night.  The relative did not realize the children were reported missing until this morning.

The children appear to be in good health, and have been reunited with their respective parents.  Sheriff’s Missing Persons detectives are on-scene and conducting follow-up interviews of the children and family.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance to locate two juveniles who went missing from the area of their home in the early evening hours of October 16, 2015.  David Barnes, 12, and Thomas Christian, 11, were last seen playing together in a courtyard area in the 1900 block of Apartment Lane in Sacramento around 5:30 p.m.  They are considered to be at-risk due to their age and have never runaway in the past.

David Barnes (photo attached) is described as 4’10”, 70 pounds, with blue eyes.  He has light blonde hair (dyed) on top and darker brown hair on the bottom.  He was last seen wearing a grey basketball shirt, black shorts with green trim, and black tennis shoes.

Thomas Christian (photo attached) is described as 5’2”, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and an afro taper-type haircut. He was last seen wearing a red/burgundy long sleeved hoodie, camouflage pants, and red Adidas shoes.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these missing juveniles are asked to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 10:30 a.m. on October 22, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call stating someone was shot in a residence in the 14200 block of River Road in Walnut Grove.  Sheriff’s deputies and fire personnel arrived on scene and located a 40 year old male victim with an apparent gunshot wound.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There were two occupants in the residence when the incident occurred.  The surviving victim stated two unknown men knocked on the front door.  After the door was open, the suspects pushed their way into the residence and tied up the surviving victim.  The surviving victim believed there were possibly more than two suspects that entered the house.  At some point during the home invasion robbery, the deceased victim was contacted in another room and shot.  The suspects fled the residence.  It is unknown whether they fled on foot or in a vehicle.

Homicide detectives are on scene, and are in the beginning stages of the investigation.  It is unknown at this time if anything was stolen during the home invasion robbery.   The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to his next of kin.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477)

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

At approximately 12:00 p.m., a Sacramento Sheriff’s deputy noticed a vehicle with expired registration near Manzanita Avenue and Winding Way in Carmichael with two male occupants.  The deputy attempted to pull over of the vehicle, when the driver accelerated in attempts to evade the deputy.  A pursuit ensued, and during the pursuit the deputy observed one of the occupants grabbing something from the back seat.  The driver failed to stop at several stop signs through residential areas, and other deputies began to respond to assist.  The driver finally yielded to the deputy, and the passenger immediately exited the car with his hands in the air.  As the deputy was making contact with the passenger, the driver fled the scene in the car.

Responding deputies located the suspect vehicle and the pursuit continued.  The suspect stopped the vehicle on a busy roadway located in the middle of Cypress Avenue west of Garfield Avenue.  The suspect exited the vehicle armed with a handgun and took cover behind his car.  The suspect began shooting at deputies.  Fearing for their safety and the safety of others, deputies returned fire hitting the suspect.

The suspect was taken into custody by deputies, and they immediately began life saving measures.  Sacramento Metro Fire responded and pronounced the suspect deceased at the scene.  No members of the community were injured during this incident. One deputy had minor injuries that were treated at the scene.

The investigation into the incident will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting that occurs in the Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction.  In accordance with the Sheriff’s Department policies and procedures, the deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  The deputies are currently assigned to Field and Investigative Services.

The suspect’s identity will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, once next of kin has been notified.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sacramento County Sheriff Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred on Cypress Avenue in Carmichael on October 22, 2015.  The suspect of yesterday’s shooting has been identified as Adrienne Jamarr Ludd, 36, of Sacramento. 

There were initial statements from witnesses at the scene, who stated they observed the suspect exit his car with a gun, take cover behind his car, take a shooting stance towards officers, and firing shots at officers.  The officers then fired at the suspect, who was armed with a loaded Tec-22 handgun with a high capacity magazine.  This preliminary information was reported yesterday.

Further investigation has shown the suspect’s weapon was not functional because of a jam.  During the shooting, the suspect lost control of his weapon as he went to the ground.  Officers ceased shooting and reassessed the situation.  Officers then observed the suspect attempting to retrieve the handgun and re-engaged the suspect fearing for their safety and the safety of others.

The suspect was taken into custody by deputies, and they immediately began life saving measures.  Sacramento Metro Fire responded and pronounced the suspect deceased at the scene.  No members of the community were injured during this incident.  A search of the suspect revealed another fully loaded .25 caliber pistol in his pants pocket.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. (October 22, 2015), a Sacramento Sheriff’s deputy noticed a vehicle with expired registration near Manzanita Avenue and Winding Way in Carmichael with two male occupants.  The deputy attempted to pull over of the vehicle, when the driver accelerated in attempts to evade the deputy.  A pursuit ensued, and during the pursuit the deputy observed one of the occupants grabbing something from the back seat.  The driver failed to stop at several stop signs through residential areas, and other deputies began to respond to assist.  The driver finally yielded to the deputy, and the passenger immediately exited the car with his hands in the air.  As the deputy was making contact with the passenger, the driver fled the scene in the car.

Responding deputies located the suspect vehicle and the pursuit continued.  The suspect stopped the vehicle on a busy roadway located in the middle of Cypress Avenue west of Garfield Avenue.  The suspect exited the vehicle armed with a handgun and took cover behind his car.  The suspect took a shooting stance, and leveled his gun at officers.  Officers engaged the suspect and fired several rounds toward the suspect.

The investigation into the incident will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting that occurs in the Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction.  The three deputies involved in the shooting are 12 year, 14 year, and 20 year veterans of the Sheriff’s Department. In accordance with the Sheriff’s Department policies and procedures, the deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  The deputies are currently assigned to Field and Investigative Services.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

At approximately 9:30 a.m. this morning (October 25, 2015), the male suspect in last night’s murder of his 55 year old wife, died at a local hospital of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

A little after 10:20 p.m. on October 24, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call from a male stating he shot his wife after an argument in the 4200 block of Annette Street in Sacramento.  The male further stated that he was going to kill himself.

Deputies responded to the residence.  First responding deputies heard a single gunshot as they arrived on-scene.  Deputies made entry into the house.  They located the 55 year old female victim with a gunshot wound and the 58 year old male suspect with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  Deputies immediately began life saving measures on both subjects. The Sacramento Metro Fire Department responded and transported the female victim and the male suspect to local hospitals.  The female victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The male suspect was receiving medical attention for a life threatening injury through the night.

Homicide detectives were called to the scene and their investigation into the incident is ongoing.  The names of the victim and suspect will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after the next of kin of the deceased has been notified.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 10:20 p.m. on October 24, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call from a male stating he shot his wife after an argument in the 4200 block of Annette Street in Sacramento.  The male further stated that he was going to kill himself.

Deputies responded to the residence.  First responding deputies heard a single gunshot as they arrived on-scene.  Deputies made entry into the house.  They located a 55 year old female victim with a gunshot wound, and the 58 year old male suspect with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Deputies immediately began life saving measures. The Sacramento Metro Fire Department responded and transported the female victim and the male suspect to local hospitals.  The female victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The male suspect was receiving medical attention for a life threatening injury.

Homicide detectives were called to the scene, and are in the beginning stages of their investigation.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

On October 30, 2015, Sacramento Sheriff’s Homicide detectives arrested a man in connection to the murder of Anna Marie Bernaix, 54, which occurred on October 12, 2015.  Christopher Michael Franklin, 28, was arrested for the charge of murder.  He was currently in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail on unrelated gun charges since October 13, 2015.

A little after 9:00 a.m. on October 12, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call from a passerby, regarding a deceased body located near the railroad tracks north of Calvine Road.  Responding deputies located the female victim, later identified as Anna Marie Bernaix, with a gunshot wound to the head.  The victim was declared deceased at the scene.  Deputies conducted a canvass of the surrounding area.  Witnesses stated gunshots were heard in the area during the late evening hours of October 11th.

Detectives also add booked Franklin on a separate attempted murder charge for the July 10, 2015, shooting of a 35 year old homeless man in the area of Cottonwood Lane and Elsie Avenue in Sacramento.  The man was shot multiple times while he was sleeping.  He was treated at a local hospital for his injuries.

The motives for these shootings is unknown, and the investigation is still ongoing.  Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to these incidents, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

At approximately 9:20 p.m. on November 5, 2015, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau detectives located a vehicle in North Sacramento, occupied by Israel Santos Dinnocenzo, 21, of Sacramento.  Dinnocenzo had an outstanding felony warrant for the murder of 37 year-old James A. Watkins.

A vehicle pursuit ensued after detectives attempted to affect a stop on the suspect vehicle.  The suspect vehicle led officers from the north area of Sacramento, and ended on Sage Ranch Court in Elk Grove.  Four occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.  A perimeter was quickly set up in the area, and with the assistance of the Sacramento Police Department, Elk Grove Police Department, Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, air and canine Units, all four occupants were swiftly detained without incident.

Dinnocenzo was arrested and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail.  He is currently not eligible for bail.  He is scheduled to be arraigned on November 9th.  Dinnocenzo is the second suspect arrested in the connection to the murder.  Isaac Leo Rivera, 22, of Carmichael was arrested for his connection in the murder on May 7, 2015.  He is still in the process of his court proceedings in this matter.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 3, 2015, the Sacramento Sheriff Department received calls regarding an altercation inside of a lounge located within the 3400 block of El Camino Avenue.  Before deputies arrived, the altercation spilled out into the parking lot where there were soon reports of gunshots being fired.  Deputies arrived to find a male that had been struck by gunfire, and was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.  The victim succumbed to his injuries on May 6, 2015.

The investigation is still ongoing.  Sheriff Homicide Detectives are asking anyone that may have information relating to this crime, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are investigating a possible double homicide that occurred in the 3500 block of Edison Avenue in Sacramento.

A little after 10:00 p.m. on November 7, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received multiple 911 calls regarding the sound of gunshots.  Deputies responded to the scene and located a 43 year old male victim, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Deputies immediately began life saving measures on the victim.  The Sacramento Metro Fire Department arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Not long after the initial 911 were received, a 30 year old male gunshot victim was transported to a local hospital in a private vehicle.  This victim later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Witnesses stated they observed three subjects fleeing the area of the shooting, and entered a dark compact car.  The car was observed fleeing west on Edison Avenue towards Watt Avenue.  A handgun was also located at the scene. 

Homicide detectives are in the beginning stages of their investigation, and trying to determine if the two deaths are related. The identity of the victims in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to their next of kin.

The motive of the crime is unknown, and detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

The Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL) has partnered with Walmart to collect frozen turkeys for the kids and families who participate in the SAL program, and other identified families in the community with which SAL works in conjunction. Last year’s turkey drive was another success with approximately 300 turkeys donated by those who participated from the community.

SAL and its community K9 “Cooper” will be at the Walmart at 6051 Florin Road in Sacramento on Tuesday, November 10th between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  They will also be at the Walmart at 8465 Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove on Wednesday, November 11th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the donations of turkeys.

Please stop by the event, buy a frozen turkey, and donate it to the SAL program.  If you are in the area, stop by and help participate in this great cause or simply stop to say hello to the SAL team and K9 Cooper!

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 7:00 p.m. on November 14, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received multiple 911 calls regarding the sound gunshots in the 5700 block of Shadow Creek Drive in Sacramento.  Several callers further advised they heard a female screaming after the initial gunshots.

Deputies responded to a townhome in the area, and located Viorel Thomas, 72, and a 37 year old female victim with gunshot wounds inside the patio area of the residence.  Both the suspect and female victim were pronounced deceased at the scene.  Deputies located a handgun in close proximity of the scene.

Homicide detectives were called to the scene, and determined the suspect and victim lived at the residence and were married.  The suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  The circumstances that led up to the shooting remain unknown, and are still being investigated by homicide detectives.

The identification of the victim will be released by the Sacramento Coroner’s Office after notification has been made to her next of kin.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

The Sacramento Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team conducted a three day sex offender compliance operation (November 17th-19th).  The focus of the operation included residential targets within the city and county of Sacramento, including the American River Parkway/Bike Trail.  The mission of the operation was to locate sex offenders who were in violation of their sex offender registration requirements or other laws.  Furthermore, the operation was conducted to help develop information regarding the whereabouts of sex offenders who had active warrants for their arrest.

The SAFE Team is a multi-agency task force led by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, who are assigned to supervise, monitor, and arrest registered sex offenders who are out of compliance with their statutory requirement to register or who are in violation of their probation or parole status.  The SAFE Team members are actively involved in community awareness programs and avail themselves for educational presentations to local, civic, and neighborhood organizations.

During the three day operation, officers contacted 284 subjects.  There were 28 arrests made during the operation.  12 subjects were arrested for being out of compliance as registered sex offenders.  Another 16 arrests were made for outstanding warrants.

SAFE team members are responsible for approximately 4,000 mandated registered sex offenders in the city and county of Sacramento.  Approximately 406 of those mandated sex offenders are currently registered as transient.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s homicide detectives are continuing the investigation of the home invasion robbery and murder of 40 year-old Thomas Rehberg, which occurred on October 22, 2015.  A little after 10:30 a.m. (October 22, 2015), the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call stating someone was shot in a residence in the 14200 block of River Road in Walnut Grove.  Sheriff’s deputies and fire personnel arrived on scene and located the victim with multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There were three occupants in the residence when the incident occurred.  The surviving victims stated two unknown men knocked on the front door.  After the door was opened, the suspects pushed their way into the residence and tied up the victims.  At some point during the home invasion robbery, the deceased victim was shot multiple times, killing him. 

The suspects fled the residence in a 2000-2005 white Chevrolet Tahoe.  The suspects were described as wearing construction work crew style orange vests and white helmets, along with construction style work boots.

Suspect #1 was described as a black male adult, late 40’s to early 50’s, 6’1”-6’4”, short or bald hair, with sideburns and a goatee (sketch attached). 

Suspect #2 was described as a black male adult, mid-30’s to early 40’s, 5’9”, stocky build, with dark hair, mustache, and tattoo on his right forearm (sketch attached). 

Suspect #3 was described as a mixed race adult male, medium skin color, late 20’s to early 30’s, with dark brown hair.  He was wearing a neon colored shirt.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 8:00 a.m. this morning (November 22, 2015), a 48 year old female inmate was found unresponsive and unconscious in her cell at the Sacramento County Main Jail.  The inmate had been held in custody since May 22, 2014 on attempted murder, aggravated mayhem, and elder abuse charges.

Deputies found the inmate unresponsive in her cell during pill call rounds.  Custody staff notified emergency medical personnel, then immediately began to attempt lifesaving measures on the victim.  These efforts were continued until the arrival of emergency medical personnel from outside the facility.  The victim was transported to the hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.  There were no signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected.

The Sheriff’s Department will complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedure and state laws.  The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine a cause of death and forward its findings as prescribed by law.  The identity of the deceased victim will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after notification has been made to her next of kin.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman