On June 14, 2022, Vinson Bragg, a 25-year-old resident of Rodeo, California, was tragically shot and killed. The incident occurred in the afternoon on Mariposa Street, between California Street and Dempsey Way. Authorities responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 5:11 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Bragg suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Another individual at the scene sustained injuries from a fall and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Joseph Gladney, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Gladney was found hiding in the backyard of a nearby home following a search by law enforcement. He was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder, with bail set at $2 million. According to court records, Gladney also faced a firearm enhancement on the murder charge, which could increase his sentence if convicted.
Further investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from a family dispute. Gladney, who was Bragg's half-brother, had recently been kicked out of the family home and had allegedly threatened to take revenge. On the day of the incident, Gladney reportedly used a short-barreled rifle to shoot Bragg. He then went upstairs and threatened to shoot another individual, who managed to escape by leaping from a second-story window, resulting in injuries from the fall.
Gladney was charged with murder and making criminal threats. He pleaded not guilty during a court hearing on September 20, 2022, and a trial date had not yet been set at that time. The case continued to be under investigation by homicide detectives, and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
