UPDATE - Homicide Investigation
Update release: August 9, 2023
On Friday, August 4, 2023, the San Mateo County Criminal Grand Jury indicted Miguel Bracamontes (21-year-old East Palo Alto resident), Bobby Williams (49-year-old San Francisco resident), Luis Mariscal (38-year-old East Palo Alto resident), and Michael Tyrone Darrell McNack (20-year-old Union City resident) for numerous charges and enhancements including but not limited to assault with a deadly weapon (firearm) and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence.
Witness statements obtained through investigations, Grand Jury proceedings, and forensic evidence identified Bracamontes, Williams, Mariscal, and McNack as the four suspects who discharged firearms at Jack Farrell Park on May 17, 2022. The gun fight resulted in the death of Ralph Fields, shooting injuries to four adult males, and numerous children traumatized by being forced to experience the gunfight in a public park while the children were playing.
At the time of the indictment, three of the four suspects were already in jail for separate charges.
On August 8, 2023, the United States Marshal Service arrested the remaining suspect, Michael McNack, at his home in Union City. McNack was turned over to East Palo Alto Police Detectives who booked him into the San Mateo County Jail.
The East Palo Alto Police Department and the East Palo Alto community extend our gratitude to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, Atherton Police Department, and United States Marshal Service for their vital partnership and tireless work on this investigation.
Additionally, we would like to thank our very own East Palo Alto Police personnel for their unwavering dedication to completing this investigation amid their already extensive caseloads and their mission to hold every gunman accountable for their decision to fire guns in a park full of kids.
Arraignment: August 9, 2023 at 8:30 AM in Redwood City, CA
Update release: May 24, 2022
The East Palo Alto Police Department in partnership with the United States Marshal Service and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office has arrested two people connected to the shooting incident of May 17, 2022. The two people were booked into the San Mateo County Jail on their outstanding warrants where they will remain while we continue building the cases against them for their involvement in the shooting which endangered the families and children playing in Jack Farrell Park. Neither person is considered the homicide suspect at this time. Names and photos are not being released at this time because the investigation is continuing.
We are still actively seeking witnesses to the homicide and strongly encourage witnesses to come forward with information.
Mothers Against Murder has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murder suspect (see attached flyer).
Update release: May 19, 2022
I was to share with you my update that I delivered at the press conference yesterday. I think it’s important that you all hear this directly from me.
As a recap, yesterday at around 6 PM, we responded to a shooting incident at Jack Farrell Park located on the 2500 block of Fordham St. Four people were shot in this incident, and one person, Ralph Fields, lost his life.
There were a large number of people in the park at the time, including a number of children. Our hearts go out to all of those impacted and traumatized by this incident.
We want to emphasize that this was not a random attack of any kind. This incident involved two pairs of people shooting at each other.
According to Shotspotter recordings, there were 3 volleys of gunfire totaling 33 shots fired between them.
Shooting and violence, especially in parks with kids playing, is completely unacceptable.
We need to come together as a community and send a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated.
Children and families playing in the parks must feel and be safe. Parks are designed for families and healthy outdoor activities.
We have already stepped up our presence in the area with extra patrols with the assistance of our neighbors at the Menlo Park Police Department.
Despite the large number of people present for this violent and tragic incident, we do not have many witnesses.
I am making a plea to our East Palo Alto Community to share any information and videos they have. It is imperative that we find the suspects responsible for this incident and hold them accountable within the law.
Additional information:
The initial officers found Mr. Fields suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest and breathing. The initial officer applied direct pressure to his wound. CPR at that point was not the appropriate treatment.
Original release: May 17, 2022
On May 17, 2022 at 6:02 PM, East Palo Alto Police received a Shotspotter activation at Jack Farrell Park on the 2500 block of Fordham Street in East Palo Alto. Responding officers located a shooting victim at Jack Farrell Park, who later succumbed to his injuries in an ambulance on his way to the hospital. Two additional shooting victims self-transported to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District firehouse in East Palo Alto where they were treated before being transported to the hospital. A fourth shooting victim was identified at a home on Fordham but did not request further treatment. Names of the shooting victims will be released after notification to the deceased victim’s family.
At this point in the investigation, we believe this was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence.
Members of the Menlo Park Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office are partnering with our department to investigate this incident.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information is urged to contact the East Palo Alto Police Department by any of the following means:
- Send an anonymous email to epa@tipnow.org
- Send an anonymous text from your cell phone to 650-409-6792
- Leave an anonymous voice mail by calling 650-409-6792
Prepared by:
Chief Jeff Liu
