Rigoberto Santamaria, 35, was shot to death on a north Visalia sidewalk on September 17, 2015. Police were called at about 5:52 p.m. after reports of gunfire; officers found Santamaria’s body on North Highland Street with bullet shell casings nearby. Witnesses reported hearing at least seven shots and seeing three males flee the scene.

Investigators linked the killing to gang activity. In October 2015 a multi-agency sweep called Operation Red Sol targeted the Norteño gang and produced arrests of several alleged members — Val Ornelas, Fernando Mora, Victor Chavez, and Fabian Barajas — on charges that included conspiracy to commit homicide, weapons offenses, and narcotics sales; weapons, cash, and stolen vehicles were seized. In March 2018 an indictment charged Norteño leader Pedro Sanchez with multiple counts, including the murder of Santamaria and gang-related special allegations.

Does anyone in Visalia have information about Santamaria, the October 2015 sweep, or the events on North Highland Street that evening?