SACRAMENTO—Sacramento Police have arrested two men—one on Friday, August 15, and the other on Tuesday, August 19, — in connection with a deadly shooting that took place during a child’s birthday party in May. Kelly Thomas, 22, and Orlando Rhinehart, 28, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. According to a Sacramento police press release, additional arrests are anticipated.
“This incident is a very active and ongoing investigation,” said Sacramento Police Chief Sam Somers Jr. “There is at least one additional suspect or more involved.”
On Saturday, May 10 shortly after 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired at Peregrine Park on Guadalajara Way in Natomas. When officers arrived on the scene they found several people—including a seven-year-old girl—had been struck by gunfire. The child has since recovered from her injuries.
Peregrine Park in Natomas, where a child’s birthday party was the scene of a deadly shooting.
Investigators determined that two armed gunman approached the gathering, targeted a group of adult males attending the party, and fired several shots towards the men. One of the victims—Jacoby James, 29—was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Somers said the shooting was a gang-related retaliation incident involving narcotics. Evidence shows both parties fired shots during the incident. On May 15, police released a surveillance photograph of the shooting suspects’ vehicle, a gold Ford Taurus. Police said the photos were critical in locating the suspects.
Thomas was found and arrested in New York City on Friday, August 15, and Rhinehart was arrested August 19 in Sacramento in the area of San Juan and Truxel.
Both Thomas and Rhinehart have been booked in the Sacramento County Jail on charges of murder and attempted murder.
