On January 16th 2018, at approximately 2:00 a.m. officers responded to a residence located on Southgate Drive in regards to two gunshot victims. Upon arrival, officers learned Waylon John Rocha, 25 years of age, of Redding had been shot in the head and Bailey Whitaker, 24 years of age, of Redding had sustained a gunshot to her torso area.
Rocha told officers two unknown suspects entered into the garage where shots were fired striking him and Whitaker. The suspects then fled the area on foot. A neighborhood canvass was performed by officers with negative results. Both Rocha and Whitaker were transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance.
Officers were able to locate video surveillance which showed no suspicious activity. Based on witness statements and evidence officers were unable to confirm Rocha’s and Whitaker’s version of events.
Officers re-interviewed Rocha and Whitaker at the hospital and found inconstancies in their stories. Ultimately, Rocha confessed and told officers the gunshot wound to his head was self-inflicted and the round accidently shot Whitaker. Officers returned to the residence and were able to recover the handgun and additional evidence to confirm Rocha’s statements. Whitaker’s injury was minor and she has been released from the hospital.
Rocha was medically cleared and arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, negligent discharge of a firearm, and violation of post release community supervision. Rocha was booked at Shasta County Jail.
