Courtesy of The Stockton Record
The Stockton community was once again rocked by violence as 25-year-old Ezon Plasencia was fatally shot near Kentfield Road. This heartbreaking event took place just a fortnight after a major anti-gang crackdown was executed in the vicinity, targeting the escalating local violence.
On Monday, Plasencia's identity was authenticated by the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner. Early indications suggest that he was gunned down around 1 a.m. Within minutes, officers arrived at the scene on the 100 block of Gateway Court, where they discovered Plasencia, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Sadly, he was declared dead at the site.
This particular region has been a hotspot for violence. A notable instance earlier this year involved the shooting of 21-year-old Robert Velazquez Perez on the exact same block in February. Additionally, a local police sergeant was shot by suspected gang members on Kentfield Road on August 2, marking a significant escalation in gang-related confrontations.
This brazen attack against law enforcement resulted in a combined response from local police and the California Department of Justice. Their concerted efforts led to the arrest of 30 individuals in Stockton, as highlighted in a September 28 statement by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. This large-scale operation was, in part, a response to the continuous turmoil in the Kentfield/Gateway region.
During these arrests, 19-year-old Brandon Rogers was apprehended on suspicion of attempting to murder a peace officer. Two others were charged as accessories after the primary crime.
Despite these actions, the details surrounding Plasencia's tragic demise remain shrouded in mystery. The authorities have not announced any arrests linked to his murder, and information regarding potential culprits or their motives is still pending. The Stockton community awaits answers and, more importantly, hopes for a peaceful resolution in the aftermath of these tragedies.