16-year-old suspect arrested in connection with Natomas High shooting, police say

A 16-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with last week’s fatal shooting near Natomas High School, Sacramento police said Tuesday, adding that the teen is the same person detained the night before as a person of interest.

Police said Monday night that a “person of interest” had been detained in connection with the shooting. Authorities later confirmed the detained individual and the arrested suspect were the same person.

The victim, De’Jon Sledge, 16, was identified Monday by his mother and the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

Police did not disclose the suspect’s identity, possible charges or a motive. The juvenile suspect is expected to face “a number of felony firearm-related charges,” police said. Authorities added Tuesday that they were not looking for any additional suspects in connection with the shooting.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect attends Natomas High School or has any connection to the campus, though investigators previously said the shooter was believed to be a student there.

Officers responded shortly after 3:30 p.m. Friday to the shooting, which came in an open area on the south end of the campus for Natomas and Discovery High schools, about 10 minutes after classes had been dismissed.

Police previously said the victim was not an active student at either campus but attended a nearby school and was in an open area at the time of the shooting.

Natomas High School increased campus security Monday, adding police presence, mental health professionals and community partners, according to the district and police.

This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 7:59 AM.