On Sunday, June 22, 2025, just after 2:00 p.m., Sacramento Police Department officers responded to the 1000 block of 21st Street for reports of an assault involving a weapon. Responding officers detained the suspect, 34-year-old Leonardo Valdez of Sacramento. Officers located an adult male victim who sustained blunt-force trauma injuries. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Valdez was arrested and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail for charges related to the assault. 

Due to the circumstances, Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators took over the investigation. They processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation. 

On July 1, 2025, the Sacramento Police Department was notified that the victim that was in critical condition succumbed to his injuries.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased after next-of-kin have been notified. 

Valdez, who has remained in custody, will be additionally booked on homicide related charges. 

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.