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Modesto Police Releases Video Detailing In-Custody Death

Published

3 years ago

October 8, 2020

MODESTO – Authorities released several body worn camera videos and 911 calls Wednesday detailing an in-custody death that occurred on September 27th, 2020.

The videos show the apprehension of 33 year old Emilio Villa Mora on Claus Road after several 911 calls. Some of the calls were placed by Villa Mora himself, claiming members of the Cartel were after him.

One call was from a resident reporting someone in their backyard, and another from a few streets to the north indicated that Villa Mora was attempting to gain access to a vehicle. That vehicle had a child in the backseat.

Police caught up with Villa Mora on Claus Road where they attempted to take him into custody. Villa Mora fled on foot with officers giving chase. A taser was used to try to stop him, but it was ineffective. One officer was able to tackle Villa Mora in front of a residence where he was handcuffed. He was placed in the back of a patrol vehicle and seatbelted in place. He was given water and medics were called to evaluate him. The video appears to show Villa Mora declining medical care.

Later in the 19 1/2 minute video, the officers transport Villa Mora to the residential area where he was positively identified by one of the residents. Authorities noted he did not appear to be in any distress. As the investigation progressed, officers checked on Villa Mora and found him slumped over in the back seat with a seatbelt wrapped around his neck.

Officers cut the seatbelt off Villa Mora who appears unresponsive at this point in the video and begin performing CPR. Police called medical personnel to transport him, but he died the morning of October first.

Authorities believe Villa Mora’s actions were induced by drug use or a mental health situation. They also believe he was able to remove his seatbelt and entangle himself, leading to his asphyxiation.

An investigation into the in-custody death was launched internally and by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Officials ask anyone with information to contact the investigations division at (209) 572-9551.

Related Topics:body camera in custody death investigation Modesto police suspect taser

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Carlos Rodriguez

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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Turlock Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing of Teen

Published

9 hours ago

June 3, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

TURLOCK – Detectives are investigating the fatal stabbing of a seventeen year old boy that took place Friday night.

Authorities believe that the victim was leaving a house party near the 2000 block of North Daubenberger Road at about 10:45pm, when police received the call reporting the stabbing had taken place.

Arriving officers found the teen on the sidewalk suffering from at least one stab wound. Officers began performing CPR until the victim was transported by medics to a hospital. The victim died about an hour later.

Detectives interviewed witnesses who stayed behind and believe a group of individuals, either white or Hispanic males in their teens or early 20’s, confronted the victim as he was leaving the party. A fight then took place, ending with the victim being stabbed. Friends of the victim called 911 for help.

Further information was not available Saturday morning.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Navarro at (209) 664-7319 or the Turlock Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780. Crime Stoppers is also available at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

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Arrest Made in February 14th Homicide

Published

1 day ago

June 2, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

Investigators examine a crime scene where a homicide took place on El Dorado Street on February 14th, 2023.

STOCKTON – A 41 year old man was arrested by authorities in connection to a homicide that took place on February 14th of this year.

Shortly before 3:00am that morning, police officers responded to the 600 block of North El Dorado Street for a report of a person down. Arriving officers located a 60 year old man who was suffering from stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Throughout the course of the investigation, authorities were able to identify and arrest 41 year old Robert Lee Sandoval Friday in connection to the case. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail without possibility of bail on a murder charge.

Sandoval is due in San Joaquin County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon.

News

Deputies Investigate Shooting Near Newman

Published

2 weeks ago

May 22, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

Deputies investigate a shooting on River Road that injured one person Sunday night.

NEWMAN – A man was taken to a hospital for care after suffering a gunshot wound Sunday night.

The shooting happened shortly before 10:30pm at a mobile home park on the 26000 block of River Road just outside the City of Newman.

According to officials at the scene, the victim suffered an injury to a lower extremity and was stabilized by medical personnel. The victim was taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

One person was detained at the scene, however deputies were still processing the scene and collecting evidence late Sunday night. No motive to the incident was available.

Anyone with information regarding this case can call the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.