A Sacramento man has been arrested following a deadly shooting that left a 20-year-old dead, the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) reported. Diego Kona Kekhuna, 19, was nabbed by detectives on May 14 in the wake of the Slater Street homicide that had occurred the prior evening.

Residents in the neighborhood were shaken on May 13 when their evening was interrupted by the sound of gunfire at approximately 9:09 p.m. Responding swiftly to the reports, SRPD officers discovered the young victim with multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of Slater Street; he was pronounced dead on the scene, his injuries too severe for any hope of resuscitation.

According to the SRPD release, the initial probe unveiled that Kekhuna had arrived uninvited at a female acquaintance's home prior to the incident. An argument ensued outside, and when the victim emerged from the same abode, he was met with fatal shots to the chest. In a futile attempt to evade responsibility, Kekhuna stashed the gun in a truck's wheel well and fled the scene.

The weapon was later found by SRPD investigators, who, following up on leads throughout the night, pinpointed Kekhuna at an Elk Grove residence. With assistance from the local police SWAT, detectives executed warrants for Kekhuna's arrest and the residence on Ranch Park Way. The accused was apprehended without fuss and transported back to Santa Rosa, facing first-degree murder charges under the penal code 187 PC.

Authorities maintain a close-guarded investigation, releasing only information that does not compromise their progress. To the departed and their relatives, the victim's name will remain confidential until official identification and family notification processes are completed.

The SRPD extends its "sincerest thanks" to the Elk Grove Police Department for their vital assistance during the investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the SRPD VCI Tip Line at 707-543-3590. For media inquiries, Sgt. Patricia Seffens is available at 707-543-3634 or via email at [email protected].