In the later afternoon hours of April 26, 2017, the Sheriff’s Department arrested an 18-year-old male on an unrelated assault charge which occurred near Fair Oaks Boulevard and Howe Avenue in Sacramento. Unprovoked, the suspect physically assaulted an elderly female, and was still on-scene when deputies arrived. He was taken into custody without incident.
Sheriff’s Homicide detectives were made aware of the arrest and responded. After further investigation of the suspect and circumstances of the day’s events, the 18 year old male is considered a person of interest in the assault at the North Highlands High School campus earlier in the morning.
A little after 6:00 a.m. on April 26, 2017, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call advising two females were being physically assaulted near the running track at North Highlands High School. Deputies responded to the scene and located two female victims. Deputies made contact with an unresponsive 86-year-old female victim. They immediately began life saving measures. Sacramento Metro Fire responded to the scene and pronounced the 86-year-old victim deceased at the scene. The second female victim was 61-years-old old and was medically treated at the scene.
The two victims commonly walk in that area for exercise. They were approached by the suspect who was unknown to the victims. The suspect sexually assaulted both victims before causing the injuries that ultimately took the life of the 86-year-old woman. The suspect fled on foot towards Walerga Road after the assault.
The suspect was described as a black male adult in his 30’s, medium complexion, approximately 5’6” tall, 150-160 pounds, short curly hair, clean shaven, wearing black sweat pants and a burgundy sweatshirt.
The identity of the victim in this case will be made available by the Sacramento County Coroner’s office, after notification has been made to her next of kin.
Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).