For our update, take a look a the following news release from the Sacramento Police Department:
Aided by a remarkable level of assistance from the public, detectives continue to piece together the April 3 shooting that left six dead and twelve others wounded.
Evidence in the case indicates that at least five shooters fired guns during the shooting, and that an exchange of gunfire took place between at least two groups of men. As detectives continue to identify shooters and weapons involved, the number of identified shooters may grow beyond five.
As detectives learn more about the shootings, it is increasingly clear that gang violence is at the center of this tragedy. While we cannot at this time elaborate on the precise gang affiliation of individuals involved, gangs and gang violence are inseparable from the events that drove these shootings.
Detectives recovered a handgun and arrested 31-year-old Daviyonne Dawson late Monday on charges of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At this time, Dawson is not charged with crimes directly related to the shootings. Based on the type of firearm recovered, detectives do not believe that this gun was used in the shooting.
Earlier this week, officers arrested Dandrae Martin, 26, and Smiley Martin, 27. Dandrae faces charges of assault with a firearm and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Smiley will be facing charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a machine gun.
“This tragedy downtown is a very public example of what families in many of our neighborhoods know too well, “said Chief Kathy Lester. “The suffering inflicted by gang violence does not limit itself to gang members. It spills over to claim and shatter innocent lives and harm our entire community.”
“Our community’s response to these horrible crimes demonstrates that Sacramento understands community safety is a shared responsibility,” Chief Lester said. “I’m very proud of our detectives for their rapid and professional work on this case, and I’m very proud of our community for working as our partners.”
Takeaways from Sacramento Shootings
The shoot out was between gang members. We will see more of this in major cities. The current environment does not penalize criminals to the extent that it changes their behavior.
Some of those involved are "prohibited possessors" -- criminals who illegally have guns. Illegal possession. Shocking, I know.
California has the most stringent gun control laws in the nation. Laws only affect the law-abiding. Criminals don't care about your gun laws.
Stay away from crowds (H/T Ol' Remus).
Nothing good happens after midnight (the gunfight erupted at approximately 2 a.m.).(H/T Everyone's Mom. Since forever.)
Learn basic first aid and, specifically, how to treat gunshot wounds. Carry your IFAK with you.
No one is coming to save you. You have to learn how to control your immediate environment for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.