Above: Gary Jackson Jr. booking photo | Turlock PD
On March 23, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued in Stanislaus County for the suspect in the shooting death of 21-year-old Romeo Xavier Portillo, who was killed during the early morning hours of January 14, 2023, in downtown Turlock.
In a press release, the Turlock Police Department identified the suspect as 22-year-old Gary Harold Jackson Jr. After an extensive investigation, Turlock Police Department detectives managed to track down Jackson, who had reportedly fled to Georgia.
On March 28, the Cobb County Police Department in Georgia arrested Jackson on the homicide warrant issued by the Turlock Police Department. Jackson had reportedly entered the police headquarters to apply for an alcohol permit when officers conducting a criminal history check discovered the outstanding warrant. The officers then notified their Violent Crime Bureau, who promptly took Jackson into custody without incident.
The Turlock Police Department is currently working with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office to extradite Jackson back to Stanislaus County, where he will face charges of homicide and attempted homicide.
“We will not tolerate violent crime in Turlock,” said Chief Jason Hedden. “Our team is relentless, and they will not stop until those who commit crimes in our community are arrested, charged, and held accountable for their actions.”
The investigation into the shooting death of Portillo involved serving several search warrants, leading to the recovery of all firearms believed to have been used in the homicide. All individuals involved in the investigation have been identified and interviewed.
“Our sympathy goes out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of Jackson will help bring some sense of closure as they continue to mourn the loss of Romeo,” said Detective Gina Giovacchini.
Although Jackson and Portillo were known to one another, the motive for the crime is not being released at this time. The Turlock Police Department is urging anyone with information about the investigation to contact Detective Gina Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539, the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780, or via email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
