Photo: Image of suspect Randall Watanabe | Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has made significant progress in a high-profile homicide investigation, as three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on Fawn Hollow Way in Antelope. The incident, initially reported as a vehicle collision with a potential shooting, tragically resulted in the death of a 20-year-old male victim.
Law enforcement officials responded promptly to the scene on Monday, May 8, just before 9 P.M. The deputies discovered the victim, unconscious and suffering from a gunshot wound, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving measures undertaken by deputies and emergency personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the location.
The Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators were dispatched shortly after and began conducting interviews with witnesses and gathering evidence. Through a meticulous and thorough investigation, the Homicide detectives revealed crucial details surrounding the incident.
According to the detectives’ findings, it was determined that the victim and his girlfriend had arranged to meet with 19-year-old Randall Watanabe at Antelope’s Firestone Park for a drug transaction. Shockingly, Watanabe attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint upon their encounter. In a desperate bid to escape, the victim tried to drive away but was tragically shot by Watanabe, resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle a few hundred feet from the shooting scene. Subsequently, Watanabe fled the area in another vehicle.
Further investigation led the Homicide Detectives to identify two additional suspects involved in the incident. Leah Perez, 23, was identified as the alleged getaway driver, while Oscar Silvestre, 18, was believed to have coordinated the drug deal between the victim and Watanabe.
The law enforcement authorities wasted no time in taking swift action. On May 9, 2023, all three suspects were apprehended and subsequently booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail.
Randall Watanabe, facing serious charges, including murder (PC 187(a)) and robbery (PC 211), was among those taken into custody. Leah Perez and Oscar Silvestre, on the other hand, were charged with robbery (PC 211) and conspiracy (PC 182(a)(1)).
The three suspects will remain in custody without the possibility of bail. They are scheduled to appear before the court on May 11, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., where they will face legal proceedings regarding their alleged involvement in this heinous crime.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its gratitude to the diligent work of the Homicide Detectives, Crime Scene Investigators, and all the personnel involved in the case for their tireless efforts in bringing the suspects to justice. The arrest of these individuals serves as a testament to the commitment of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of the community.
