Two of Three Suspects Arrested in Mendocino County Attempted Murder Investigation
Two of three suspects are now in custody and facing charges in connection with an attempted murder investigation in Mendocino County that began two years ago, according to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office.
Two years ago, just after 1 AM on December 3, 2021, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault with a firearm on the 28000 block of Albion Ridge Road in Albion. The victim, who had allegedly been shot through his bedroom window by an unknown assailant, managed to call 911, and reported that he had returned fire with his own firearm.
Deputies arrived at the scene, and a family member of the victim informed them that at least one suspect had been seen fleeing on foot into a wooded area. The victim was provided medical treatment by Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Ambulance and transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim ultimately survived the attack.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Detectives assumed the investigation, and patrol deputies continued their search for the suspect. Around 9:30 AM, deputies located two male subjects hiding in the nearby brush, and they were found to be from out of county. A firearm, facemask, and latex gloves were also discovered in the vicinity.
The two suspects, identified as Roberto Chavez-Souza (28) and Jose Morfin-Aguilar (31), were initially booked into the Mendocino County jail on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy. However, both were later released pending additional investigation.
In May 2022, felony arrest warrants were issued for all three suspects. Chavez-Souza was arrested in July and has remained in custody. Morfin-Aguilar has an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest.
22-year-old Jose Panduro-Rodriguez, the third suspect, was reportedly arrested at the United States Port of Entry by Customs and Border Patrol on his warrant, as well as unrelated federal charges, in October of this year. He was booked at the Mendocino County jail on October 31.
The case continues to be under investigation as authorities gather more information surrounding the incident.
