On February 26, 2023, at approximately 3 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers were investigating a traffic accident near 8th Street and U Street in Rio Linda, California, when they heard gunshots. Upon further investigation, they discovered 42-year-old Russell Mawyer lying in the driveway of a residence at 801 U Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by deputies and Sacramento Metro Fire personnel, Mawyer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members identified Russell's brother, 39-year-old Robert Mawyer, as the primary suspect. Relatives reported that the brothers had been engaged in frequent disputes over the preceding weeks, leading to concerns that such a tragic incident might occur. According to family accounts, after the shooting, Robert fled the scene by stealing a car. Two individuals present at the residence were initially detained by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office but were later released after authorities determined they were not involved in the incident.
Following an investigation, detectives arrested Robert Mawyer on suspicion of murder. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and was scheduled to appear in court on March 8, 2023. The motive behind the shooting remained unclear, and authorities continued to investigate the circumstances leading up to the fraternal conflict that resulted in Russell's death.
