Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: February 10, 2018
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA – A Modesto man believed to be responsible for two late 2017 homicides was arrested along with his two accomplices.

The Modesto Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team served several search warrants with detectives this morning in connection with the Lake Park Court shooting death of 5-year-old Xavier Smith and the Ustach Park shooting death of 21-year-old Cody Lea. The search warrants were served following the arrest of 21-year-old Robert Davis who detectives believe was the shooter in both cases. Santa Cruz Police Department arrested Davis in a motel late yesterday evening.

The Lake Park Court investigation reveals that on October 28, 2017, 20-year-old Ryan DeSousa drove into the court with Davis as a passenger. Davis shot at several residences, striking Xavier Smith and another juvenile victim. Detectives believe the residence where the two boys were playing was not the intended target and drugs were the motive behind the shooting. DeSousa was arrested late last night and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for murder.

Also arrested was 21-year-old David Wilmore, Jr of Modesto. 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 this shooting as well. Wilmore was arrested during the service of the search warrants and will be booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for murder. Media note: booking photos are unavailable at this time.

Sergeant Steve Hinkley of the Violent Crimes Unit said, “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.”

Please note that this release is intended to be a brief update of events. As we continue our investigation, we welcome any information that would help us better understand what took place. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

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