Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20220418-023
Monday, April 18, 2022
 
SMPD Makes Arrests for 2020 Homicide with Assistance from Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies
 
San Mateo Police Department Detectives identified and arrested two suspects connected with a targeted shooting that left one man dead and one young child seriously injured in the driveway of a San Mateo residence in 2020.
 
San Mateo, CA – This morning, San Mateo Police Department detectives arrested two homicide suspects after an extensive investigation of a premeditated execution style shooting that occurred the morning of October 30, 2020 in the 1600 block of Eleanor Drive in San Mateo, CA. John “Talia” Paasi was arrested this morning in Charlotte, North Carolina and the second homicide suspect, Isileli Mahe, was arrested in Honolulu, Hawaii. Detectives initiated the extradition process to transport both suspects back to San Mateo County.
 
On October 30, 2020, at approximately 9:40 a.m., San Mateo Police officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Eleanor Drive on the report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and discovered Ueta Savelio Muasika Jr. shot several times after being ambushed in the driveway of his residence. The audacious attack also left Muasika’s 2-year-old son suffering from a gunshot wound to his face. Officers rendered aid to the child, and paramedics transported him to a local trauma center. The child has since recovered from his injuries. Tragically, Muasika succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.
 
Over the last eighteen months, in an effort to bring all responsible parties to justice, SMPD detectives conducted a methodical investigation that extended to multiple states across the country. Information gleaned during the investigation led detectives to the Paasi’s residence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Today, Monday, April 18, 2022 at approximately 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, multiple law enforcement agencies served an arrest warrant at the 4700 block of Abendago Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Paasi was taken into custody without incident and transported to a local jail where he awaits extradition to San Mateo County. Later at approximately 11:50 a.m., Pacific Standard Time, SMPD with assistance from local and federal law enforcement agencies, served an arrest warrant for Mahe at his residence located at 2400 block of Date Street in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Mahe was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to a local jail where he awaits extradition to San Mateo County. 
 
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Paul Pak at (650) 522-7660 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted to http://tinyurl.com/SMPDTips or by calling (650) 522-7676. 
 
San Mateo Police Department Detectives worked with investigators and attorneys from the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Special Investigation Bureau Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT/SWAT), and Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations – Honolulu Division Criminal Enterprise Squad to apprehend these extremely dangerous criminals.  We extend our profound appreciation to our law enforcement partners for their combined efforts in helping SMPD identify and locate these suspects. 
 
Always remember, “if you see something, say something.” We are encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at www.cityofsanmateo.org/NEST.
 
ARRESTED
John Paasi, a 29-year-old San Mateo/Charlotte, NC resident
Charges: Homicide (187 PC) and Assault with a firearm (245(a)(2) PC) 
 
Isileli Mahe, a 30-year-old Oakland/Honolulu, HI resident
Charges: Homicide (187 PC) and Assault with a firearm (245(a)(2) PC)