Full Notification

This is a followup to yesterday’s preliminary press release.  Detectives worked overnight investigating the Lakeville Highway homicide that occurred the morning of Sunday, June 24. 
 
At approximately 11:30 AM on June 24, deputies responded to Petaluma Valley Hospital at the request of Petaluma Police Department.  Petaluma Police had arrived for a gunshot victim and learned the shooting occurred in the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.  Although the victim’s family was uncooperative at first, detectives were able to determine where the victim was shot. 
 
Detectives determined the victim was at a ranch in the 6500 block of Lakeville Highway.  One or more suspects opened fire and shot the victim in the neck or upper chest area.  Witnesses saw several vehicles speed away from the ranch towards Lakeville Highway.  Several of the vehicles were caught on surveillance video as they drove away from the scene. 
 
The victim’s three family members put him in the back seat of a pickup truck and drove him to Petaluma Valley Hospital.  A family member called 911 as they neared the hospital, which prompted Petaluma Police to respond.  After his family brought him to the hospital, the victim was transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital because his injuries were life threatening.  He was pronounced dead at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital shortly thereafter.
 
The ranch has a large, secluded vineyard a few miles away from Lakeville Highway.  Detectives discovered an illegal cockfighting arena in an isolated grove of trees.  The cockfighting events appeared to be sophisticated due to the arena construction.  Many of the roosters had spurs, and some were found in a pit near the arena.  Detectives found approximately 15 live roosters, some of which were injured, and 10 dead roosters.  Animal Control responded to collect the roosters. 
 
Detectives found casings near the arena that indicates a shooting occurred there.  They are continuing to interview witnesses and actively investigate this case.  There are no suspect descriptions at this time. 
 
The victim’s name will be released after we confirm his identification and notify his family.
 
There is a $2,500 reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for this homicide, courtesy of the Sonoma County Alliance Take Back our Community program.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-565-2185.  All media inquiries regarding the roosters and cockfighting investigation should be directed to County Public Health at 707-565-7101.
 
Prepared by: Misti D. Harris, Community Engagement Liaison
Case No: 180624-012
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941