Suspected shooter in Central California homicides arrested in Santa Cruz

A man believed to be responsible for two separate shooting deaths late last year in Central California, including the death of a 5-year-old, was arrested in Santa Cruz.

21-year-old Robert Davis of Riverbank, was taken into custody by Santa Cruz Police late Friday night after officers found him hiding inside a motel room. Two others, who police believe were accomplices in the shootings were arrested in Modesto.

Police believe Davis shot and killed 5-year-old Xavier Smith on October 28 in Modesto. The shooting appeared to be drug related, said Modesto Police.

After Davis was arrested detectives served a search warrant at his Riverbank home.

Two alleged accomplices were identified as 20-year-old Ryan DeSousa of Modesto, and 21-year-old David Wilmore Jr of Modesto.

Detectives believe DeSousa was the driver in the October 28 shooting that killed the 5-year-old.

Wilmore was an accomplice when Davis shot and killed Cody Lea near Ustach Park on November 21, 2017. Drugs appear to be the motive behind the November shooting as well said Modesto Police.

Wilmore and DeSousa were arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for murder.

“Detectives have worked tirelessly over the last several months to bring justice to the families of these two young victims. With the collaborative assistance of the community, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Highway Patrol, we were able to make these arrests. We would like to thank the families of the victims and the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult process,” said Sgt. Steve Hinkley of the Violent Crimes Unit.