On February 07, 2023, just before 7:35 a.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 1400 Block of 30th Street regarding a medical aid call. Upon arrival, officers learned that the Sacramento Fire Department rendered emergency medical aid to one victim, a male juvenile, and transported the victim to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office responded and deemed the incident a suspicious death.

Based on the circumstances, Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators took over the investigation. Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene and conducted a thorough canvass of the area for witnesses and additional information.

Sacramento Police Department detectives continued exhaustive follow-up and identified 30-year-old Lashawn Sparks as the suspect.

On February 10, 2023, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Sparks for Child Endangerment and Homicide. The same day, Sparks was booked on his warrants and remains in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail.

This investigation remains active; however, detectives believe that there are no outstanding suspects related to this incident.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.