After nearly two years of investigations, the Santa Rosa Police Department's Violent Crimes Investigations Team made a pivotal break in a 2022 homicide case, arresting a suspect for the shooting death of Connor Bundock. According to a statement released by the SRPD, 23-year-old Manuel Rivera was taken into custody on January 10, 2024, for his alleged involvement in the fatal incident that took place in Northwest Community Park.
Bundock was with friends near a softball field when Rivera, along with another suspect, confronted the group. The suspects hurled gang challenges and proceeded to rob Bundock, resulting in a struggle where Bundock was fatally shot in the upper torso. Detectives used DNA technology and digital evidence to identify Rivera, who was arrested at a residence on Piner Road in Santa Rosa without incident. SRPD officers later executed a search warrant at the home, seizing several electronic devices, and Rivera was booked into Sonoma County Jail on a misdemeanor warrant from Marin County, and one count of murder per 187 PC.
The original release from the SRPD detailed the 2022 assault where officers and medical staff responded to a report of gunshots at around 8:28 p.m. on April 2. Upon arrival, they discovered the unresponsive victim suffering from gunshot wounds and though lifesaving efforts were administered, Bundock was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the attack, an exhaustive search was initiated but the culprits managed to elude capture, fleeing the scene on foot.
Although Rivera's arrest marks a significant step for the SRPD VCI detectives in the pursuit of justice, the identity of the second suspect involved in the slaying of Bundock remains unknown. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for assistance, urging anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward, and a reward of up to $2,500 offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund for information leading to the second suspect's arrest. Community members with any information are encouraged to use the SRPD online Tip Line or reach out directly to the VCI Team.
