$10,000 reward offered for info on murder suspect sought in Sacramento gang shootout
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Mtula Payton, a fugitive facing multiple murder charges after allegedly opening fire during last month’s gang shootout in downtown Sacramento that left six dead.
Payton, 27, as well as brothers Dandrae and Smiley Martin, were each charged with three counts of murder for the deaths of Yamile Martinez, 21; Johntaya Alexander, 21; and Melinda Davis, 57, three women described by authorities as bystanders caught in the crossfire of a 2 a.m. shootout April 3 near 10th and K streets.
Three men who allegedly took part in the shootout were also killed, and a dozen others including Smiley Martin were injured by gunfire.
The Martin brothers are in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail downtown, arrested by Sacramento police shortly after the shootout.
Payton remains at large, sought by law enforcement. Police in an arrest warrant wrote that Payton during the shooting “appeared to be firing indiscriminately” while running from the scene
Mtula Tashamby Payton is described as approximately 5-foot-6 and 145 pounds, and should be “considered armed and dangerous,” ATF and the Sacramento Police Department wrote in a joint statement Wednesday announcing the $10,000 reward.
Anyone with information on Payton’s whereabouts is asked to contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), or the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-0800.
Payton has an extensive history of gun violations, court records show.
“Do not attempt to approach,” ATF and Sacramento police wrote.
This story was originally published May 12, 2022 at 7:34 AM.
