Rio Dell Homicide Team Honored for Work in Drive-By Shooting Investigation and Prosecution
Press release from the City of Rio Dell:
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.
“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.”
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.”
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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!!!
The mayor is higher than a kite. This town is so corrupt and the crime is crazy. All town officials should be investigated
Who really runs RD?
Good work and a good example of positive police work.