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Modesto Police Releases Video Detailing In-Custody Death

Published

4 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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News

Woman Dies from Burn Injuries

Published

2 weeks ago

July 9, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Deputies investigate the scene on Robertson Road where a woman was found burned on July 4th. Photo by Gaby Muro.

MODESTO – A woman who suffered burn injuries at a Robertson Road home on July 4th died from her injuries, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Reported.

Firefighters with Burbank-Paradise Fire Department and Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputies responded to a home on the 1900 block of Robertson Road for a report of a person on fire. Arriving personnel found a woman who had suffered burns over 80% of her body. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance and later flown to a Sacramento burn center. The victim, identified as 52 year old Andrea Benning, died two days later.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit and Fire Investigators responded to conduct an investigation of the incident. According to the sheriff’s office, the fire was contained to the area where the victim was found inside the home. Several people at the scene were also interviewed regarding what happened.

Authorities are still working to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at (209) 567-4466 or Crime stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Shooting Injures Two Men in Stockton

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Police close off a roadway where two men were found shot.

STOCKTON – Two men were taken to a hospital after suffering injuries in a shooting Sunday night.

At about 10:18pm officers were called to the area Cemetery Lane and Harding Street for a report of two men shot. Both victims were taken to a local hospital and are expected to survive their injuries.

A short time later a crime scene was located near the area of 10th and Ophir Streets. There was no suspect information available at time of publication.

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

News

Man Dies From Gunshot Wounds, Police Investigate

Published

2 months ago

May 17, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Police officers investigate a shooting on Dijon Street on May 12th 2024.

STOCKTON – A 39 year old man died of his injuries from a shooting on Mother’s Day, police reported Friday.

The shooting happened May 12th at about 9:40pm. Officers responded to a report of a person shot on the 2000 block of Dijon Street. Arriving officers found the victim and began providing aid until medics transported him to a hospital for care.

On Thursday May 16th, investigators were notified that the victim died. No releasable suspect information or a motive was available Friday.

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