Tragedy struck Fairfield as the body of 44-year-old Zebulon Ira Baldwin was discovered in the early morning hours on the north side of Travis Boulevard. According to the police, Baldwin was found near I-80, hidden in the bushes, after a witness called to report the grim scene.
Upon the arrival of officers and Fairfield Fire, the man was found to be deceased, prompting an investigation into the death. Now ruled a homicide, the case took a turn with the arrest of 39-year-old Erick John Fredericks, suspected of murder, the Fairfield Police Department stated in an update from their initial report.
The ongoing investigation initially kicked off with a Fairfield PD Dispatch call that came in shortly after 4 am on Wednesday, March 20. A witness reported coming across a breathless man lying in the bushes. The area around Travis Boulevard was then cordoned off as the scene remained active and the public was urged to keep their distance.
"Detectives responded and immediately began investigating the circumstances of the man's death," the press release detailed, underscoring the immediacy of the police response upon discovery. Seeking to aid the investigation with the help of the public, Fairfield PD urges anyone with information to step forward and contact the Investigations Unit at (707)428-7300.
As Fairfield PD continues piecing together the final moments of Baldwin’s life, the community and law enforcement are confronted with the specter of violence that has claimed yet another life. Details are still emerging, and the public information officer, Jennifer Brantley, is the point of contact for media queries, available at [email protected].
