Unsolved Case Press Release

Keng Yang & Xao Yang

Wednesday, November 22, 2006, 08:00 PM

Homicide Investigation - Sutter By-Pass

At approximately 3:44 PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, Sutter County Sheriff’s deputies were called to investigate a report of a person calling for help on the west side of the Sutter By-Pass, north of highway 20. Meridian Fire/Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office responded.

Upon arrival, three persons were contacted at the bank of the Sutter by-pass. One of the subjects was mortally wounded with apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to the two remaining witnesses, they, along with the deceased and one other companion were fishing at the by-pass after being dropped off earlier by a friend. While fishing, gunfire erupted from an unknown location and one of the companions was immediately struck and another companion jumped into the water of the by-pass. He submerged shortly thereafter and did not resurface. The two remaining individuals were not hit and ran to a nearby residence to summon help.

The individuals, including the deceased and the missing person are all juveniles, 17 years of age and all reside in Yuba County.

The underwater search and rescue teams from both Sutter and Yuba Counties were called out and were still diving in the area as of 7:45 PM in an attempt to recover the person still missing. CHP Helicopter H-20 also assisted in searching the area.

Suspect information is sketchy at this time however the Sheriff’s Office is looking for a white Ford F150 pickup described as “a vehicle of interest” that was seen near the area at the time of the shooting.

Release of the name of the victim is pending notification of next of kin. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone the Sutter County Sheriff's Office at (530) 822-7307.