A 39-year-old Reno resident was arraigned Monday in Lassen Superior Court, facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of murder, in connection with a violent roadside confrontation that left two people dead last Saturday on Highway 395.
Isacc Anthony Pedroza entered a plea of not guilty to a criminal complaint alleging the murders of a 39-year-old man and a 17-year-old juvenile.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred during the morning hours of December 6th, on the southbound side of Highway 395 near the agriculture inspection station at Long Valley. According to details released by the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office, the complaint against Pedroza also includes a special allegation for personal discharge of a firearm and a charge for transportation of an assault weapon.
In a press release issued Tuesday, District Attorney Melyssah Rios addressed what she termed “misinformation contained in adverse publicity currently circulating” regarding the motive and circumstances of the shooting.
“This was not a ‘road rage’ incident, this was not ‘gang related’ and there was no officer involved shooting,” Rios stated, clarifying rumors that had spread across social media following the highway closure.
The confrontation began when two vehicles, both occupied by residents of Reno, pulled to the right shoulder of the highway. A California Highway Patrol officer from the Portola Resident Post, who was on patrol in the immediate area, arrived on scene just as the shooting took place.
According to the initial CHP report, the officer immediately detained all individuals involved and attempted lifesaving measures, but both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Southbound traffic was detoured for an extended period via Red Rock Road while investigators processed the site.
Pedroza remains in custody and is scheduled for his next court appearance on December 17th.
“As with all criminally accused, Pedroza is presumed innocent until pled or proven guilty,” the District Attorney’s office noted.
The investigation is ongoing, and Rios states that no further comments on the merits of the case will be made at this time. Criminal court proceedings remain open to the public.
Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Quincy office of the California Highway Patrol at 1.530.283.1100.
