Sonoma County Murder Suspect Found Hiding in Tanker Truck
SONOMA COUNTY, CA — “William Rufner, 45, of Santa Rosa, was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for murder.
On March 18, 2026, at 9:38 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 5000 block of Taylor Avenue regarding a homicide. The caller reported seeing Rufner covered in blood, fleeing the mobile home. A second witness entered the mobile home and found an adult female lying motionless on a bed, bleeding.
Within minutes, the first deputy arrived, gathered information about the victim and Rufner’s possible whereabouts, and secured the area.
Medical personnel then entered and attempted life-saving measures, but the female victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies established a perimeter around the large property, which contained multiple dwellings. After an extensive nine-hour search, they found Rufner hiding inside a water tanker truck and took him into custody without incident.
Rufner and the victim had previously been in a dating relationship. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Before being interviewed by detectives, Rufner was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. He is currently being held on a no-bail warrant.
The victim’s identity will be released once the next of kin has been notified.”
