Sheriffs closing off crime scene. Photo by Ryan Lely.
Authorities have three suspects in custody in the shooting death of a 17-year-old Boyes Hot Springs juvenile. Sonoma County Sheriff Lt. Rob Giordano confirmed that the victim’s death was the result of a gang dispute that occurred at 6:47 p.m. Monday evening. Three shots rang out in Maxwell Farms Regional Park near the Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club. Luis Roberto Miranda, 17, died at the scene.
Those arrested include Juan Carlos Perez, 19, of American Canyon who is known on the street as “Puppet;”Javier Ceja, 19, of Sonoma as well as a 17-year-old Boyes Hot Springs youth who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile.
Miranda, known locally as “Soldier,” was reportedly shot in the face. 911 calls were made by four of the people present. According to their accounts, the assailant emerged from the brush, fired three times hitting Miranda in the face.
Four suspects were apprehended at Taco Bell at gunpoint, including three male juveniles and a middle-aged woman. All were individually questioned and photographed before being released. Witnesses said that another suspect, Juan Carlos “Puppet” Perez was the shooter, but this could not be confirmed by authorities.
Mike Swanton, 21, who was near Miranda at the time of the shooting was upset about police response time, which he said was five minutes. “It was like they never saw a dead body in Sonoma or something,” said Swanton. “I’m covered in blood.”
Numerous law enforcement personnel, including local sheriffs, Petaluma city police, a helicopter and canine units responded to the scene.
The victim’s parents are informed of the shooting.
Photos: Ryan Lely
Miranda, an alumnus of St. Francis Solano School, according to authorities was a gang member.
Check back at sonomasun.com for updates as authorities release more information.
