Suspect arrested in Bay Area graduation shooting

Five weeks after 18-year-old Jamario Baker was shot and killed at Fairfield High School’s parking lot after a Sem Yeto High graduation had ended, members of the United States Marshals Service, accompanied by Fairfield Police Department detectives finally arrested a suspect in the case.

On Friday morning, members of the United States Marshals Service, accompanied by Fairfield Police Department detectives, executed a search warrant and an arrest warrant at a residence in the greater Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas area. The 17-year-old suspect, whose name was not released, was safely taken into custody without incident on suspicion of murder and related offense, police said.

The suspect in the shooting will remain in custody pending extradition proceedings to Solano County.

On June 3 Baker was shot and killed in the Fairfield High parking lot near Schaefer Stadium moments after he received his diploma. Three other victims aged 11, 20 and 25 also suffered from gunshot wounds, but are on the mend. A Facebook post last month by a woman named Mary Jones who identified herself as Baker’s aunt, said that the Sem Yeto graduate was protecting his 11-year-old sister when he was shot.

“This arrest represents a significant milestone in an investigation that has required hundreds of hours of investigative work and the coordinated efforts of numerous law enforcement professionals,” a news release by the Fairfield Police stated on Friday morning. “Investigators conducted dozens of witness interviews, reviewed hours of surveillance and digital video, analyzed photographs and electronic records, executed search warrants, processed forensic evidence, and coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions to develop a comprehensive and prosecutable case.”

In the news release, the Fairfield Police Department thanked the witnesses who “demonstrated courage by coming forward and providing information that assisted investigators throughout this case. We also recognize the victims, their families, and every student, staff member, family member, and community member who experienced the traumatic events of June 3. Their patience, resilience, and cooperation have been invaluable throughout this investigation.” The department also thanked local, state and federal law enforcement agencies who contributed to the identification and apprehension of the suspect.

The arrest comes just a day after a post was made by Brandi Crouch on Facebook that included a picture of a person at the graduation, with the message, “This is the coward that murdered my grandson on his graduation day. Please help us find him! Justice for Jamario Baker.” The Fairfield Police Department would not comment on whether or not the picture in the post is the actual suspect.

Although an arrest has been made, the Fairfield Police Department said in its news release that the investigation remains active and no other information would be given out. The department urged anyone with information related to this incident who has not yet spoken with investigators is to contact the Fairfield Police Department and its investigations division at (707) 428-7600 or by email at [email protected].

The department announced there will be a news conference on Monday at 4 p.m.

In the weeks that followed the shooting, much of the community rallied around the family of Baker.

Sem Yeto High Principal John McMorris said that Baker will be honored with the newly-formed Jamario Baker Legacy Award. The principal said in a Facebook post that the award, “would serve as a powerful symbol of transformation and hope, recognizing students who demonstrate remarkable resilience and a commitment to personal growth.”

“What defines Jamario and the school is our commitment to turning around the lives of students who may have suffered trauma, and not experienced success in a traditional school system,” McMorris wrote in early June. “We intend to celebrate Jamario for future generations of Sem Yeto students who come and turn their lives around as well.”

McMorris said that the vision behind the award comes from Baker’s journey at the continuation school and how it reflects a remarkable turnaround, where McMorris said Baker “shifted his focus from challenges to academic achievement. His story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles.” McMorris said the award aims to foster a community that encourages students to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles they encounter.

In the month following the shooting, many people were upset after the Fairfield Police Department issued a public statement about questions emerging about the lack of security at the graduation ceremony. Police attributed the lack of police presence to a breakdown in communication between the city and the school district. The department said reports suggesting the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District never requested police coverage were “not an accurate characterization” of what happened.

According to police, the department maintains a memorandum of understanding with the school district to provide officers for events such as graduations and sporting events when requested through an established process.

“Through an internal review conducted in coordination with the FSUSD administration, an attempt to make a request was submitted for the Sem Yeto graduation,” the department said. “The request was not made through the established channels, and the department was not aware of the request.”

As a result, no officers were assigned to the ceremony.

Nine days after the shooting, Fairfield community and religious leaders gathered with Baker’s family at the site of the tragedy to celebrate his life and commemorate the dreams he had for the future. Acting Mayor Pam Bertani offered words of encouragement and hope for the community, thanking attendees and Baker’s family members.

Sam Morris, pastor and friend of the family, said at the event that the family welcomes the genuine support of those gathered and the community.

“I want you to know, Jamario’s life, it mattered,” Morris said. “I want you to know that his dreams matter. I want you to know that his future mattered. I want you to know that his very presence mattered.