In the quiet community of the Sunshine Mobile Village in Orangevale, California, a tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of March 24, 2026, ending the life of 63-year-old Henry Giles. Known affectionately as "Russ" to his friends and family, Giles was a man remembered for his kindness and heroic final act.
That day, violence shattered the peace of the mobile home park near Main Avenue and Greenback Lane.
Around noon, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls reporting a shooting. When deputies arrived, they discovered a grim scene. A woman, later identified by friends as Sue Harmon, was found deceased. Henry Giles had also been shot and was rushed to a local hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses and family members recounted that Giles, a hardworking man who was a father, grandfather, and friend, died while trying to save another person. A neighbor stated that Giles pushed a woman out of harm's way, telling her to run, and in doing so, took the fatal shot himself. His niece, Leaunna Giles, found a small measure of peace in this knowledge, acknowledging that her uncle died a hero.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, 58-year-old John Clarke, a resident of the same mobile home park. After the shooting, Clarke reportedly returned to his trailer. With the assistance of Folsom police and an armored vehicle, law enforcement was able to approach the suspect's trailer and take him into custody without incident. Clarke has since been arrested and charged with two counts of homicide. He was arraigned and is scheduled for a court appearance on April 9, 2026. Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting.
In the wake of the violence, the community mourned the loss of two of their own. Friends and family of Henry Giles, who was originally from Santa Barbara County, remember him as a funny, loving, and silly man who enjoyed fishing, dirt biking, and barbecues. His loved ones have been grappling with the sudden and senseless loss, taking comfort in the memories of his life and the bravery he displayed in his final moments.
