Rio Dell Homicide Team Honored for Work in Drive-By Shooting Investigation and Prosecution

Press release from the City of Rio Dell:

three people holding the proclamation in front of the Rio Dell sign

Chief Jeff Conner Mayor Garnes and DDA Carolyn Schaffer

On Tuesday, July 5th 2022 Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes presented a Proclamation honoring the investigation  and prosecution team involved in the homicide of Johnny Mack Renfro. Renfro, a Texas native and Humboldt  County resident was the victim of a drive by shooting in Rio Dell on the evening of Friday, August 29, 2019.  

The Proclamation marks the conclusion of months of intensive investigative work and years in the Superior  Court system including a trial and subsequent appeals.  

The honored include Rio Dell Chief of Police Jeff Conner, Sergeant John Beauchaine and Deputy District  Attorney Carolyn Schaffer.  

Young, handsome black man looking at the camera in front of nature background

Homicide victim Johnny Renfro

“Homicides are very rare in Rio Dell.” Stated Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes. “This team, led by Chief Conner,  pursued the case very effectively, quickly identifying the suspect and tracking him across California and  eventually all the way to North Dakota to bring justice. They have made Rio Dell very proud.”  

three people holding the proclamation in front of the Rio Dell sign

DA Fleming Mayor Garnes and DA elect Eads

Once the suspect was apprehended and returned to Humboldt County the pandemic added new challenges and  delays to the Court proceedings, which were ultimately telecast on the internet. Referring to Deputy District  Attorney Carolyn Schaffer, Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp stated, “I don’t think we could have asked for a  better prosecutor, Schaffer had the case tightly nailed down despite the circumstances with the pandemic.”  

“In addition to these three exceptional individuals, I think it’s important to note that within seconds of the  shooting, concerned neighbors came out to render aid…to the victim, at potentially great personal risk to  themselves. The entire block was out in force providing information to the Police Department. This includes  camera footage and important eyewitness accounts.” Knopp concluded by saying, “The cooperation was  phenomenal and I think this was key to the outcome of the court case.” proclamation document

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TheHomie✌🏼
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TheHomie✌🏼
1 year ago

Rip Johny… I knew him and he was a friend. Such a nice cool calm and collect dude. He was fun to be around and was a good wing man lol he will be missed greatly!! & Fuck the shooter may he live a miserable life in jail and have a cell mate that farts a lot and stinks!!!

CrazyLegs
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CrazyLegs
1 year ago

The mayor is higher than a kite. This town is so corrupt and the crime is crazy. All town officials should be investigated

Two Dogs
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Two Dogs
1 year ago
Reply to  CrazyLegs

Who really runs RD?

thetallone
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thetallone
1 year ago

Good work and a good example of positive police work.