MODESTO – Family of one of the victims of Friday’s shooting on Semple Street held a vigil over the weekend and established a fundraiser for the unexpected funeral costs.
Friends and relatives gathered in front of the home late Saturday afternoon with candles and flowers to honor the victims who were gunned down in front of a home Friday night. Brandon Wheeler was identified as one of the victims who lost his life.
“Brandon was a loved son, brother and dad,” the organizer of the fundraiser said. “He leaves behind his three kids and family and friends who all loved him dearly. He truly was an amazing man, he would give the shirt off of his back and the shoes off his feet. I could name several times he came home barefoot for this exact reason.”
The shooting happened on Semple Street just north of Jones Street Friday night shortly before 9:00pm. Three people were reported shot in front of the home. Police and medics arrived quickly to provide care for the injured. They were rushed to a hospital where Brandon and another victim passed away. The third victim is expected to survive.
Officials with the Modesto Police Department say detectives have been working hard on the case to find the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.
MODESTO – Classes were canceled Thursday morning at Modesto High School after police were notified of a threat.
A message sent out by Modesto City Schools read in part “Modesto Police Officers are at Modesto High this morning investigating a threat of a possible explosive device. There will be no school this morning until the campus can be deemed safe.”
A police spokesperson said out of an abundance of caution the campus is being cleared.
As of this post, authorities were still searching the campus.
STOCKTON – The parents of a two year old girl were arrested and charged in her death after police say she was malnourished and neglected.
The incident began early Monday morning, when fire and medical personnel were dispatched at about 3:15am to a home on the 300 block of West Oak Street. The report indicated help was needed for a two year old girl who was unresponsive. She was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead.
Police say the girl was malnourished, appeared extremely emaciated, and had clear signs of neglect. Detectives and CPS officials responded to the home to investigate.
Both parents were taken into the police department for questioning. Gregorio Ornelas, 61, and Jessica Chavez, 39, were both arrested and charged with child abuse resulting in death.
Both parents were booked into the San Joaquin County Jail without possibility of bail. They are due in court Wednesday afternoon.
STOCKTON – A 19 year old man was hospitalized after he was shot during a robbery Sunday afternoon.
Shortly after 1:30pm, Stockton Police Officers were called to the 10000 block of Hidden Cove Circle for a report of a shooting.
Officers learned that the suspect shot the victim, took his property, and fled the area. The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injury. He is expected to recover.
The only description available of the suspect was a black male in his 20’s.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Stockton Police Department or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.