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Tue 10/23 11 AM

Teen slain in Maxwell Park

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Even though crime scene investigators worked all night collecting evidence, Det. Al Vernon, lead violent crime investigator for this case, examines the crime scene one last time for any evidence that might have been missed. Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune

Three people are in custody in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Luis Roberto Miranda in Maxwell Farms Regional Park Monday evening.

Sonoma County sheriff's detectives aren't releasing the names of the three, but admitted they aren't looking for any other suspects in connection with the shooting. Lt. Rob Giordano with the Sheriff's Investigation Branch said the shooting is being investigated as a gang crime.

Giordano said the incident happened at the picnic benches approximately 70 yards from the Boys & Girls Club Valley of the Moon at approximately 6:48 p.m. There were 20 to 30 people in the immediate vicinity, including both juveniles and adults, who scattered in all directions after the shooting.  Multiple 9-1-1 calls were received. Giordano said there was a dispute, words were exchanged, gang signs were flashed and shots were fired.

He wouldn't confirm how many shots were fired. So far, the weapon hasn't been recovered.

When sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene they found more than 20 people in the park and several people leaving the area on foot. Deputies discovered Miranda suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Miranda was pronounced dead at the scene.
An estimated 60 law enforcement units descended on the park, and more than 45 deputies worked through the night.

The first deputies on the scene called for backup because of the number of people in the area so units from the California Highway Patrol, Sonoma Police, the sheriff's Valley substation, the sheriff's Guerneville substation, Petaluma and Sonoma Developmental Center responded.

The sheriff's helicopter "Henry 1" and elements of the Sheriff's Special Operations Unit participated in the search for the suspects through the park and adjacent creek while detectives from the Violent Crime Investigations Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit started an investigation of the crime, including interviews with several witnesses.

Deputies took over part of the Boys & Girls Club and were interviewing witnesses there.

The shooting didn't involve any members nor any staff members of the Boys & Girls Club.

For several hours, Verano Avenue between Highway 12 and Riverside Drive was closed.

The last of the three suspects was arrested Tuesday morning. Giordano said all of the arrests were made with search warrants and arrest warrants.

  Next
  Arrests made in Maxwell Park slaying

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