Wanted Suspect Apprehended in Redwood Valley Homicide Investigation
Above: Lee Anthony Joaquin arrest photo | Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
Law enforcement authorities have made an arrest in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death of Nicholas Shehli Whipple, 20, of Redwood Valley. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has been working with the assistance of the Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force (MMCTF) to uncover the circumstances surrounding Whipple’s death, which occurred on March 29.
According to a press release by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of an adult male in need of emergency medical assistance on Tabor Lane in Covelo. First responders from the Round Valley Tribal Police Department arrived at the scene and provided CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and Whipple was pronounced deceased.
Following the discovery of a possible gunshot wound on Whipple’s body, Sheriff’s Detectives, along with representatives from the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Justice, initiated a death investigation. A forensic autopsy conducted on March 30 confirmed that Whipple had sustained a gunshot wound to his torso, leading authorities to classify the case as a homicide.
In early April, investigators identified the primary suspect in the shooting as Lee Anthony Joaquin, 33.
On April 26, an officer from the California Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle on Highway 101 at Nelson Ranch Road in Ukiah. The driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of firearm possession and marijuana transportation. During the arrest, it was discovered that the suspect had provided a false name, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Upon arrival at the Mendocino County jail, corrections division staff recognized the suspect as Joaquin from previous encounters. Joaquin was booked into the jail on an active arrest warrant related to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Nicholas Shehli Whipple.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details regarding the motive or potential relationship between Whipple and Joaquin. They encourage anyone with information related to the case to call their dedicated tip line at 707-234-2100.
