Full Notification

A Richmond, VA woman was arrested Monday for warrants related to February’s home invasion robberies and a murder in Sonoma County. On February 8^th, 2018 20-year-old Amber Hembree aka “Skittles” of Richmond VA is accused, along with four other men, of committing two Sonoma County home invasion robberies. One home invasion robbery occurred in the 1900 block of Fulton Rd, the other occurred in the 3600 block of Melcon Ln, both in unincorporated Santa Rosa. In both of these cases victims were tied up and a man at each home were shot. In the robbery on Melcon Lane, the victim, 54-year-old Jose Luis Torres died as a result of his gunshot wounds. The victim from Fulton Rd has survived his injury.

Detectives found the suspect’s car in Vallejo following the robberies, a pursuit ensued around Mare Island. The suspects ultimately crashed and fled on foot in Vallejo. All four of the men were taken into custody that day but Hembree managed to escape after fleeing from the car crash.

Sonoma County Sheriff’s Detectives obtained a no bail warrant for Hembree, charging her with one count of murder, four counts of robbery and one count of kidnapping. Detectives have continued to work leads in the case which led them to a home in Chester, VA. Detectives alerted the US Marshals Service as to her probable location.

On Monday morning, June 11^th, agents from the US Marshals Service found her hiding in an attic of the home located in the 12000 block of Chestertowne Rd. She was armed with a stolen, loaded handgun but was taken into custody without incident and was booked into a jail in Chesterfield County, a suburb of Richmond, VA.

Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office immediately flew to Virginia to interview Hembree. She is scheduled for court this morning and is expected to be extradited to Sonoma County soon. Sheriff Rob Giordano expressed his appreciation to the US Marshals Service stating “Interagency cooperation of this serious case was so valuable. Along with the perseverance of our detective team, we hope to give the families some resolution. Our sincere thanks goes out to the US Marshals for their dedication and commitment.”

Prepared By: Sgt. Spencer Crum
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
CR: 180208-003, 180208-005