On September 26, 2019, Tyrel Truss, a 20-year-old man from Fresno, California, tragically lost his life in a robbery setup that went awry. Truss had driven to Mendota to meet a woman he had been communicating with online. This woman, Alexa Ramos, who had recently moved to Firebaugh from Sioux City, Iowa, lured Truss under the pretense of needing a ride to Firebaugh. Ramos was accompanied by three friends: Isaac Helms, Precious Green, and Hannah Haywood, all from Sioux City.
During the ride to Firebaugh, an altercation broke out inside the car. Isaac Helms, 18, shot Truss, causing the vehicle to crash into a parked car on Cardella Street in Firebaugh. Truss was found dead in his car from a gunshot wound. The suspects attempted to flee the scene but were quickly apprehended by the Firebaugh Police Department.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office took over the investigation, and all four suspects were arrested and charged with murder. They were identified as Isaac Helms, Precious Green, Hannah Haywood, and Alexa Ramos. Each suspect faced a bail amount of $1 million. The case was submitted to the Fresno County District Attorney's Office for review.
The legal proceedings have been slow, causing frustration for Truss' family. The suspects appeared in court multiple times, but the process of entering pleas and moving forward with the trial has been delayed. The felony murder rule in California could apply to all the suspects, depending on their level of involvement in the crime. Investigators have obtained some confessions, and there is a possibility that deals could be made with the less involved suspects to expedite the case.
Truss' death has left a profound impact on his family, especially his mother, Brenda Beard, and his young daughter, Sophia. The family continues to seek justice for Tyrel, hoping that those responsible for his death will be held accountable.
