Suspect in 2020 Woodland homicide arrested after fleeing to Mexico, then returning to US
WOODLAND — The suspect in a January 2020 shooting that left a young man in Woodland dead has now been arrested more than four years later, detectives said.
Isaac Morales was 20 years old when he was shot and killed along College Street.
Detectives have continued to follow up on leads in the case, even releasing a sketch of a person of interest at one point.
However, detectives learned that the suspect – now identified as Dennis Jaramillo – allegedly fled to Mexico before the district attorney's office could start prosecuting the case.
"I hope this gives some closure. I know over the years there was some frustration. I can feel for them. My message is we don't give up, we keep working and we were able to make an arrest," said Sgt. Richard Towle of the Woodland Police Department.
Investigators have not yet detailed the circumstances leading up to Morales' shooting.
Morales was a father-to-be when he was shot and killed.
"I want him to be remembered for his caring heart. For changing his life around. For getting his first job. For always being there for his family. For his silly little jokes. His caring heart. Even though he never got the chance to be a father, I want him to be remembered as a father," said Myla Torres, girlfriend to Morales and mother to his son, Isaac Carlos Morales, Jr.
Torres is now processing the news of Jaramillo's arrest.
"I'm thankful he was arrested. I don't understand why it took this long. I told them specifically who it was, but I'm forever grateful they never gave up and found the killer. Justice is served and it was important because they took a man that changed, that wanted better for himself, for his family. He never got the chance to be a dad," Torres said.
Woodland police said that a few months ago, they got information that Jaramillo had crossed back into the United States.
Jaramillo was tracked to Colusa County and with the help of several other area law enforcement agencies including the Sacramento FBI office, Jaramillo was arrested in the community of Grimes.
"We know the impact it has on the community and the family members. A family member is killed and we take that seriously. We don't leave any stone unturned, so we keep working. Sometimes it's a week. Sometimes it's years down the road. In this case, we were able to get to a good resolution I believe," Towle said.
Jaramillo, 20, has now been booked into Yolo County Jail on charges of murder and participating in a criminal street gang.
"A young man lost his life and now we have another young man going to court for a very serious charge. This is, in my opinion, two very wasted lives. I would urge the younger community to think about their choices down the road," Towle said.
Yolo County District Attorney Jess Reisig confirmed to CBS13 that Jaramillo is currently charged as a juvenile because he was 16 at the time of the crime.
"He will not be treated as an adult unless a judge grants transfer to adult court. Our intention is to treat him as an adult if the judge authorizes the transfer. That transfer process will take weeks," Reisig said.
