CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department has identified the victims in a March 26 double homicide in the city of Clearlake.
The victims of the homicide have been identified as 54-year-old Clearlake resident Steven Jepsen and 38-year-old Clearlake resident Juan Perez-Rodriguez.
According to a police report, on Friday, March 26, at approximately 8:21 p.m. Clearlake Police officers were dispatched to the 16000 block of 35th Avenue on a report of several shots fired.
Officers arriving on scene located two individuals who had suffered gunshot wounds.
One of the victims was determined to be deceased at the scene and the other was transported to St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake where he was pronounced deceased.
Clearlake resident Francisco Leon-Sarmiento, 26, was arrested by Clearlake Police in the incident, the report said.
Leon-Sarmiento had been leaving the scene of the homicide in his vehicle at a high rate of speed. Further investigation determined insufficient evidence to hold him on homicide charges.
Leon-Sarmiento was held on possession of possession of marijuana for sale initially based on the approximately 2 pounds of marijuana he had in his vehicle when arrested.
Search warrants for Leon-Sarmiento's home in Clearlake were served and marijuana grows were located throughout the residence.
Additionally, a loaded firearm was located in the residence. The firearm had no connection to the homicides, according to police.
According to Clearlake Police, it appears the incident began over a dispute concerning a marijuana transaction and a personal debt.
The investigation is ongoing and any person with information in relation to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Ryan Peterson at the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251, Extension 320.
Clearlake Police Department identifies homicide victims
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