Detectives Seek Assistance with K Street Shooting Investigation
Photo: Mtula Payton
Originally published as a Sacramento Police Department Facebook post –
“Sacramento police detectives have identified an additional suspect in the April 3, 2022, K Street Shooting in Downtown Sacramento.
27-year-old Mtula Payton is wanted on multiple felony warrants, including domestic violence and gun charges. At this time, based on the evidence recovered, it appears Payton was among at least five shooters involved in the shooting.
Payton’s current whereabouts are unknown at this time. Detectives have made multiple attempts to locate and arrest him while exhausting all leads. We’re asking that anyone with information about Payton or others involved in the shooting share it by contacting Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at the information provided below.
Detectives believe this shooting that killed 6 and wounded 12 others was triggered by an altercation between at least two groups of men affiliated with local street gangs. At least five shooters were involved in the gunfight. Only one gun was recovered at the scene of the shooting – the others were apparently removed before officers arrived.
Payton’s warrant for felony domestic violence stems from an incident on the afternoon of April 2, 2022. Officers responded to the home of a relative of Payton’s and contacted a woman with injuries she said Payton had inflicted.
Officers did not have contact with Payton at the scene but submitted a report documenting the incident which resulted in an arrest warrant. We are examining all aspects of this incident to understand it as thoroughly as possible.
At this time, evidence indicates that Payton, Smiley Martin and Dandrae Martin were among the shooters. Detectives continue to examine evidence, contact witnesses, and interview involved parties to gain a complete understanding of the incident. As this process continues, different and/or additional charges may apply. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing all evidence to determine appropriate charges.
“Our goal is to conduct as thorough an investigation as possible, so that the District Attorney has all the information she needs to present cases that will bring justice to the families of the victims and our entire community,” said Chief of Police Kathy Lester. “The investigation has moved very quickly in this first week, and it will continue until we can present prosecutors and the public with a complete picture of this terrible crime.”
The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app”
