Carlo Alexander Yandolino, a 58-year-old resident of Newcastle, California, was tragically found dead on May 14, 2015. His body was discovered in the driver's seat of his truck, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred on Oakhurst Way in Newcastle, and authorities were alerted to the scene around 9:45 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed Yandolino's death and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The investigation quickly identified Robert Carlo Yandolino, Carlo's 25-year-old son, as the prime suspect. Robert was charged with first-degree murder, with special circumstances of lying in wait and murder for financial gain. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Robert had purchased a firearm weeks before the incident and had waited for his father at the Newcastle address. On the day of the murder, Robert shot his father once in the head and then attempted to shoot the ranch manager, who was also present. The gun malfunctioned, allowing the ranch manager to escape and later identify Robert as the shooter. Robert was apprehended by deputies in Rocklin on the same day.
The case against Robert Yandolino was robust, with the prosecution presenting substantial evidence, including the firearm used in the murder, which was traced back to Robert's residence. Additionally, Robert faced charges of attempted murder of the ranch manager, domestic abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and dissuading a witness, stemming from previous incidents involving his former live-in girlfriend. The trial concluded with Robert being convicted of first-degree murder and the associated special circumstances, leading to a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The prosecution credited the successful outcome to the thorough investigation conducted by the Placer County Sheriff's Department, led by Detective Chris Joyce, and the courage of the witnesses and family members who testified. The strength and resilience of Carlo Yandolino's family and friends were highlighted as key factors in achieving justice for Carlo. Robert Yandolino's sentencing was scheduled for May 10, 2017, in the Placer County Superior Court.
