Fairfield high school graduation shooting: 17-year-old arrested in Texas
Deadly High School Graduation Shooting: 17-yr-old arrested in Texas
- A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested in Texas in connection with a deadly shooting that killed a recent high school graduate and injured three others outside a Solano County graduation ceremony, police announced Friday.
FAIRFIELD, Calif. - A 17-year-old boy was arrested in Texas on Friday morning in connection with a shooting at a high-school graduation ceremony in Fairfield last month that left an 18-year-old student dead and three others injured.
The Fairfield Police Department announced the boy was arrested by officers and authorities from the United States Marshals Service in the Dallas–Fort Worth following an "extensive homicide investigation" into the June 3 shooting.
Fairfield suspect arrested
What we know:
Investigators revealed that within days of the shooting, the suspect fled California.
"The suspect was tracked to the State of Texas where this morning, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service, a warrant was served, and a suspect was taken into custody," said Fairfield Police Captain Nicholas McDowell.
What we don't know:
The suspect – whose name was not released due to their age – is in custody on suspicion of murder and other related offenses, and is awaiting extradition back to Solano County.
The FPD said the June 3 shooting took place in the parking lot of the football stadium outside Fairfield High School, which was providing space for the graduation of students from Sem Yeto High School, a continuation high school.
Victim in Fairfield graduation shooting had just received diploma, mayor says
Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy said the victim fatally shot in the Fairfield High School parking lot had just graduated and received his diploma before the shooting.
Who was Jamario Baker?
Student Jamario Baker was fatally injured, reportedly while still wearing his graduation gown when students were exiting the stadium and meeting their families. A 25-year-old, a 20-year-old, and an 11-year-old child were injured.
For Baker’s family, the news brings a small measure of peace after days of agonizing uncertainty.
"It was extremely soothing and comforting to hear that, after waiting and being in a place of just confusion," said Pastor Sam Morris of the Baynorth Church of Christ, who is also a family member.
Baker had just walked the stage and received his diploma from Sem Yeto High School.
According to relatives, Baker was sitting in a car when the shooter approached. Family members say his final actions saved lives.
"Not only was he gunned down, he was a hero," Morris said. "He actually stepped in the way of his sister, who was also in the car and wasn't injured, and made sure his mother, who was also in the car, wasn't injured."
While the family says the loss has left a void that can never be filled, they are clinging to gratitude for the swift arrest. Despite their immense pain, they say they forgive the teenage suspect—but they want justice, and they want the truth.
"Please give us answers," pleaded Kalise Bennett, Jamario’s grandmother. "No matter how you think it's going to hurt us, we want answers. The only thing I have to say to the suspect is just be truthful, be honest, and let us know why."
Jamario Baker, a graduate of Fairfield's Sem Yeto High School, who was killed on June 3, 2026.
Suspect's extradition to Solano County
What's next:
Because the suspect is a minor, police are not releasing his name. He remains in custody in Texas, and authorities have not yet announced a timeline for his extradition back to Solano County.
Fairfield police say they plan to release additional information regarding the investigation on Monday.
The FPD said an investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to contact the department’s Investigations Division at 707-428-7600 or by email at juneincidenttips@fairfield.ca.gov.
Amber Lee is a reporter for KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave a message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU, or Twitter @AmberKTVU.
The Source: Fairfield Police Department, interviews with victim Jamario Baker's family, previous KTVU reporting