One Arrested, Second Suspect Sought in Natomas Shooting

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

J. Bunch / Photo: SacPD

J. Bunch / Photo: SacPD

J. Brown / Photo: SacPD

J. Brown / Photo: SacPD

Police today arrested one suspect in last month’s Natomas Marketplace murder and seek the public’s help locating a second suspect.

John Bunch, 24, was arrested on suspicion of murder this morning in Alameda County, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Police are now searching for Bay Area resident and murder suspect Jason Brown, 18, who police warn is armed and “extremely” dangerous.

Detectives said they determined the Sept. 28 shooting to be drug related. The victim Walter Michael Gibson, 53, of Rio Oso, died after being shot in the upper body while in the Home Depot parking lot on Truxel Road.

During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Jason Brown and John Bunch as primary suspects in the case, according to police reports. In conjunction with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained arrest warrants for both suspects for murder with a special circumstance of robbery.

Police located Bunch at about 10 a.m. today , Oct. 27, in Alameda County and arrested him without incident for his role during the homicide, reports said.

Brown’s location is unknown. Brown may be linked to two additional homicides this year in Alameda and Fresno counties, according to police investigators.

Police encourage the public to immediately notify law enforcement with any information regarding Brown’s whereabouts.


The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to suspect Brown to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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