04/20/2022
District Attorney Vern Pierson Announces the Guilty Verdict of Juan Carlos Vasquez-Orozco for the Murder of Deputy Brian Ishmael and Assault with a Firearm on three other Deputies.
Placerville, CA – An El Dorado County Jury today found Juan Carlos Vasquez-Orozco, 22, guilty of the murder in the second-degree of El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Ishmael. The jury also found Vasquez-Orozco guilty of Assault with a Firearm on El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputies Brian Shelton and Shawn Taroli and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Tasabia.
This tragic event happened on October 23, 2019, when the four deputies responded to a call of an alleged robbery at a ma*****na grow in Somerset. The property owner, Christopher Ross, called 911 shortly after midnight and falsely claimed he saw several unknown individuals in his ma*****na grow. Ross did not inform law enforcement that Vasquez-Orozco and Ramiro Morales were living in his grow and were armed with a firearm.
The four deputies entered the ma*****na grow to look for robbers. Shortly after, Vasquez-Orozco opened fire on the deputies and a shootout ensued. After firing multiple shots, Vasquez-Orozco ran from the grow, then returned and ambushed the deputies. Vasquez-Orozco’s bullets struck Deputy Ishmael four times, killing him. Vasquez-Orozco also shot and wounded Deputy Tasabia.
Morales and Ross were also charged in connection with the case. Morales was convicted of a felony violation of Accessory after the fact. Ross was convicted of felony Voluntary Manslaughter, and Possession of Ma*****na for Sale. The ma*****na plants on Ross’ property had a street value of $250,000 to $500,000. The grow was prohibited by both California and Federal law.
“Hopefully the guilty verdicts in this case help the victims, their family, and this community feel that justice has been served and help to continue the healing process from this horrific event,” said El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson. “The guilty verdict does not bring Deputy Ishmael back to his heartbroken family, but it sends a message that those who bring dangerous drug activity to El Dorado County and endanger law enforcement and the public, will not go unpunished.”
Deputy Ishmael was 37 years old. He was a 4-year veteran of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and served as a Police Officer for the Placerville Police Department from 2013-2015. Deputy Ishmael left behind a wife, three children, his parents and sister, and a large family of law enforcement colleagues.
“What I said at the time of this callous murder remains true today, we lost one of our heroes. We owe Deputy Brian Ishmael and his family our gratitude and so much more. The least they deserve is justice and I want to thank the jury who delivered that today,” said El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Joe Alexander and Deputy District Attorney Nora Hall. The lead Investigator on the case was Detective John Conley.
We thank the jury for their service and tireless efforts to deliberate and see this case to its conclusion.
Vasquez-Orozco faces a possible sentence of life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 13, 2022.
