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Debbie Lane Shooting Victim Remembered as Friend to All, Family Man

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MODESTO – Michael Sullivan, or “Big Jesse” as he was affectionately known by those close to him, was a friend to all.

That’s how many of his friends wanted him remembered as they gathered near his home on Debbie Lane Sunday trying to make sense of what happened to him.

Big Jesse’s life was taken during a shooting shortly after 2:00pm. The accused shooter was a neighbor.

But the end of his life was not how those gathered Sunday wanted him to be remembered.

Tracy Burkhart only met him six months ago, but knowing Big Jesse felt like having a lifelong best friend. Just like everyone at the scene Sunday, the two hit it off and became close.

“We just had a tri-tip dinner at his home last night,” Burkhart said. Together the two talked about their families and interests. They worked on vehicles together, and recently made a funny TikTok video of themselves as they pushed a Chevy Tahoe down the road because of the high gas prices.

The Tahoe, according to those watching Sunday’s events unfold, was a key to why their friend’s life was taken.

“Over a damn license plate,” said David Rivera.

Rivera explained that Big Jesse had recently purchased the Tahoe from his neighbor for $800. The vehicle was in a state of disrepair.

“So he bought a replacement motor for it,” Rivera said. “There were nuts and bolts all over his garage, but in the end, they were all put back in place.”

Rivera explained that Big Jesse had experience working on motorcycles. The Chevy Tahoe would have been a new challenge.

“For him to do the work he did, and get that vehicle running, that’s pure talent.”

A talent that Rivera lamented is now as irreplaceable as the man himself. He knew Big Jesse for the last three years.

“Jess was a smart guy and a fast learner. He was friendly and accepting, and we knew mutual people, so getting to know him felt right.”

He loved his three kids and was looking forward to spending the summer with them and go camping. Events and memories that Tracy Burkhart would have liked to experience beyond the six months he knew him.

“Now, I feel like I didn’t get enough time to value the friendship he gave to me,” Burkhart said.

Both Burkhart and Rivera vowed to offer their help to their friend’s family, in honor of the friendship he showed to them.

“I don’t care how long it takes tonight,” Rivera said while observing the investigation. “The last thing I want to do is close the garage door to his home for him.”

Carlos Rodriguez is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist specializing in public safety and natural disasters. His passion for local news stems from a deep commitment to his community, with a selfless mission to inform the citizens of the valley. As he worked on assignment for 19 days at the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, he spent most of his time helping survivors contact their loved ones to let them know they were ok. Carlos is a veteran of Univision, FOX, and Telemundo TV stations and a native of Modesto, California.

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Man Killed in Gateway Court Shooting

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STOCKTON – Police investigated a fatal shooting on Gateway Court early Saturday morning.

Shortly after 1:00am, police responded to the area for a report of a person shot. They found a 25 year old man who was shot several times.

Medics responded to provide care for the victim, but he died from his injuries. Detectives responded to investigate the case however no further details were provided.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact police at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.

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Fatal Tesla Crash Investigated in Modesto

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MODESTO – A fatal collision involving a Tesla vehicle closed down Pelandale Avenue early Saturday morning.

The crash happened shortly after midnight near the intersection of Pelandale Avenue and Carver Road. Police said the eastbound Tesla Model Y struck a corner lightpole, claiming the life of the driver. The passenger, a man from Fresno, suffered moderate injuries.

The Tesla was the only involved vehicle in the collision, police said.

Officers with the Modesto Police Traffic Safety Unit responded to investigate the collision. Pelandale Avenue was closed for the duration of the investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact Officer Beverson at beversonj@modestopd.com

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Homicide Investigated on Anne Street

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STOCKTON – Authorities investigated a fatal shooting late Saturday morning in a South Stockton neighborhood.

Shortly before noon, officers responded to the area of Anne and Tenth Streets for a report of a person shot. Arriving officers found a 40 year old man who had been shot. Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased.

Detectives took over the investigation, and no suspect information was available Saturday.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Police at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.

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