Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall said several agencies continue to search for the man suspected of killing one male adult and wounding another in Covelo earlier today. The fugitive is thought to have killed one man shooting him “in the head” and another man in the earlobe, which Sheriff Kendall said could have been from the same bullet.
Bloodhounds, helicopters, and ground crews are combing the brush-filled, valley floor attempting to locate the suspect, according to Sheriff Kendall. He assured that there would also be “extra patrols and directed patrols” dispatched to the area until he is found.
Sheriff Kendall said a woman is detained who is thought to have been accompanying the suspect during the commission of the crime and subsequently fled from authorities with him.
Kendall described Round Valley Tribal Police observing the pair fleeing the scene in a pick-up truck and locating it parked near the Tribal Cemetery where they seemingly ditched the vehicle. Kendall said a search of the area around the vehicle led to the discovery of a handgun magazine behind the car.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office issued a Shelter in Place order at 1:00 pm that according to Sheriff Kendall is still in effect and will be “until the suspect is arrested.” The order encourages residents in the vicinity of Highway 162 and Biggar Lane in Covelo to not approach the suspect, described as a “white male adult, brown hair, brown eyes, short hair, black t-shirt, and blue jeans. Approx 6’01” tall 180 lbs and 40 years old.” Sheriff Kendall characterized the suspect as “armed and dangerous.”
Sheriff Kendall said agencies assisting in the search for the homicide suspect include the Round Valley Tribal Police, California Highway Patrol, and California Fish & Game.
UPDATE: 8:00 pm 8/17/2020
According to a post on the Mendocino County Sheriff Office’s Facebook, the individual being sought in connecting with today’s Covelo slaying is convicted murderer Jameson Jackson. At the age of 15, Jackson was convicted for his involvement with the murder of Brooktrails store owner Joan LeaFeat. More recently, Jackson was arrested in March 2020 on charges related to domestic battery and second-degree robbery.
The post also makes note that the Shelter-in-Place orders have been lifted for residents in the vicinity of Highway 162 and Biggar Lane in Covelo.
