On the evening of March 26, 2015, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Clearlake Police officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the 16000 block of 35th Avenue in Clearlake, California. Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries after being transported to St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. The victims were identified as 54-year-old white male Steven Jepsen and 38-year-old white male Juan Perez-Rodriguez, both residents of Clearlake.
During the initial investigation, 26-year-old Clearlake resident Francisco Leon-Sarmiento was apprehended while fleeing the scene at high speed. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed approximately two pounds of marijuana, leading to his arrest on charges of possession of marijuana for sale. Further searches of Leon-Sarmiento's residence uncovered additional marijuana cultivation and a loaded firearm; however, the firearm was determined to be unrelated to the homicides.
Despite the arrest, authorities concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge Leon-Sarmiento with the homicides of Steven Jepsen and Juan Perez-Rodriguez. Investigators believe the incident stemmed from a dispute over a marijuana transaction and a personal debt. The case remains under active investigation, and the Clearlake Police Department has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Steven Jepsen, a 54-year-old white male, was born on March 24, 1961, in Petaluma, California. He had recently celebrated his birthday just days before his death. At the time of his passing, he was residing in Clearlake, where he had lived for several years. His funeral services were managed by Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel.
