On October 8, 2023, at about 4 p.m., deputies found 37-year-old Joshua Rash unresponsive under a bridge near the 8200 block of Gerber Road in south Sacramento. Sacramento Metro Fire personnel pronounced Rash deceased at the scene; an apparent gunshot wound to his chest was noted and investigators have classified his death as a homicide.

Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Investigators interviewed witnesses and collected evidence. Their investigation identified 60-year-old Richard Bradford as the primary suspect, and an arrest warrant was obtained. Bradford was located and taken into custody on October 10 and booked on suspicion of murder; he remained ineligible for bail and made a first court appearance on October 12. The motive has not been disclosed, and authorities have not confirmed whether Rash or Bradford had any prior connection to each other or to the area, which is sometimes frequented by people experiencing homelessness.

Rash’s family described him as a father, brother, son, cousin, nephew, and friend. A GoFundMe was created to help with unexpected expenses and to honor his memory. Does anyone have information about Rash, his movements that day, or what led to the encounter under the bridge?