1 Dead In Shooting At Cockfighting Ranch Near Petaluma: SCSO

PETALUMA, CA — The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting Sunday on Lakeville Highway that left a man dead. Petaluma police notified the sheriff's office at 11:30 a.m. Sunday about the shooting when it was determined it happened in the sheriff's jurisdiction, sheriff's Spokeswoman Misti Harris said in a news release.

Sheriff's deputies responded to Petaluma Valley Hospital and tried speaking with three of the victim's family members, who brought him to the hospital in a pickup truck, Harris said.

The relatives were not cooperative at first, Harris said, but deputies eventually determined the shooting happened at a ranch in the 6500 block of Lakeville Highway where cockfighting events are held.

Deputies believe one or more suspects fired multiple gunshots, one of which hit the victim in the neck or upper chest area.

Because the shooting victim's injuries were life-threatening he was transferred from Petaluma Valley Hospital to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Harris said. Shortly thereafter he was pronounced dead.

The case remained under investigation Monday and the victim's name was not being disclosed.

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