Jaylen Betschart was 17 and a standout athlete at Sacramento High School when he was found shot in his car after it crashed into a power pole on Jackson Road on October 3, 2020. The shooting happened in broad daylight; the community described the loss as devastating for his family, friends, and schoolmates.

Investigators said surveillance footage captured a car chasing Jaylen’s vehicle down Jackson Road shortly before the shooting. That car was linked to Curtis Slaton, and police reported they recovered a Glock handgun at Slaton’s home that matched casings from the scene. Slaton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder on March 4, 2021.

Vigils and memorials were held as Sacramento residents mourned Jaylen and raised concerns about youth violence and the pandemic’s effects on young people. If anyone knew Jaylen, saw activity on Jackson Road that day, or has information relevant to the case, please come forward.