Gabriel James Chavez : “Fatal Lake Berryessa shooting suspect identified”

The Suspect Identified

Following a fatal shooting that occurred after a large brawl at Lake Berryessa over the weekend, the suspect has been identified. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office announced that 25-year-old Gabriel James Chavez was detained and airlifted to a hospital with unknown injuries. Chavez, a resident of American Canyon, has been arrested and charged with murder.

The Sheriff’s Office explained that Chavez’s identity was not revealed earlier to prevent jeopardizing the investigation, as witnesses needed to identify him in a lineup.

The Incident at Lake Berryessa

The shooting on Saturday came after a brawl between two groups at the Oak Shores Day Use Area on the lake’s western shore. Deputies arrived at the chaotic scene to find multiple injuries, including a fatal shooting of 39-year-old Andres Fabian Sandoval Garcia of Vallejo. Despite CPR efforts, Garcia died at the scene. Three others were injured from stabbings or punches, including Chavez.

According to detectives, Chavez retrieved a gun from his vehicle during the brawl and shot Garcia before fleeing. He was captured shortly after the incident.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact them at (707) 253-4504.