An Oct. 21 shooting in the area of North and East streets killed 16-year-old Alvaro Gamera of Esparto and left two others injured. A suspect arrested days later in connection with that incident has since been released from jail after the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges, pending further investigation.
On Nov. 17, Woodland resident Raymond Ortiz, 44, was shot to death in the 100 block of Elm Street, his killing also unsolved despite ramped-up investigative efforts announced by Police Chief Derrek Kaff in the wake of the homicides as well as several other shootings that left victims injured.
“We have dedicated all detective investigators, including our Street Response Team, to investigate leads in an attempt to develop suspects and motive for these shootings,” Kaff said at the time. “We have also partnered with allied state and local agencies for assistance, both to investigate these crimes and to develop strategies to deter/prevent further incidents.”
The agency also has increased its “proactive patrols” for an indeterminate time as investigators attempt to identify suspects and curb the violence, and in the event of an arrest will work with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office to ensure the cases are fully prosecuted, Kaff said.
Kaff has said his agency is exploring whether the shootings are related or have ties to local street gangs. Anyone who has information about the crimes, including possible witnesses, is urged to call the Woodland Police Department’s crime tip line at 530-661-7851. Callers may remain anonymous.
