News

The Rio Dell Police Department has named a Eureka man as a “person of interest” in a fatal shooting of 26-year-old Johnny Renfro that took place Aug. 29.

According to a release, the department is having a “third party” analyze any information related to the killing contained on “numerous mobile phones, computers, recordings and other modern technology,” that were obtained via search warrants.

“It is believed that when the results of these warrants are received, there will be enough evidence to seek an arrest warrant  for the shooter,” the release states. “Additional investigation into the motive for the shooting is ongoing and the Department has also identified a person of interest in the investigation, Demetrius Coleman, 39 of Eureka, California.”

Renfro pulled over on Monument Road around 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 and was walking away from his car when another driver pulled up and opened fire, according to information previously released by the city.

The Honda Accord believed to have been used in the shooting has been recovered, the release states.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. John Beauchaine or Rio Dell Police Chief Jeff Conner at (707)764‐5642.
Update from the city of Rio Dell:

On August 29, 2019 Johnny Renfro was shot and killed within the City of Rio Dell. The Rio Dell Police Department has recovered the vehicle believed to have been used by the shooter.

The department has also collected numerous mobile phones, computers, recordings and other modern technology for which search warrants have been obtained and served. This technology has been referred to various third parties for analysis.

It is believed that when the results of these warrants are received, there will be enough evidence to seek an arrest warrant for the shooter.

Additional investigation into the motive for the shooting is ongoing and the Department has also identified a person of interest in the investigation, Demetrius Coleman, 39 of Eureka, California.

If you have any information that you believe may be of assistance, please contact Sergeant John Beauchaine or Chief Jeff Conner at (707)764‐5642.