SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – California Highway Patrol officers in Santa Cruz arrested a man wanted in connection with the murder of a woman in Pinole, the agency announced on Saturday.
Jeffrey Kendall, the suspect, was taken into custody on Friday night near Seabright Avenue at Murray Street. He had been wanted since Friday morning after a woman, who used to be his ex-girlfriend, was shot and killed at 8:45 a.m.
The victim was attacked in her home in the 500 block of Summit Drive in Pinole and was found dead of a gunshot wound. A witness was able to identify the suspect as Kendall, who used to live with her and with whom she shares a child. Kendall was also captured on a neighbor’s Ring camera, fleeing the area in a gray Hyundai Elantra – the same car that the CHP spotted him in.
Pinole police have taken over the case and impounded Kendall’s car, where they found a gun inside. Kendall was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of homicide and domestic violence and is being held on $1.1 million bail.
This arrest has left the community shaken, with a neighbor commenting, “It’s incredibly startling and unnerving, so everyone here is really, really shaken up.”
The CHP and Pinole police are urging anyone with information about this case to contact them at 510-724-1111.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting any suspicious activity and the impact of domestic violence on individuals and communities. The swift action of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect demonstrates the dedication to seeking justice for the victim and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to bring closure to the victim’s loved ones and ensure the safety of the community.