- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Business
- Politics
- School Zone
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Tips from Public, Police Led Detectives to Shooting Suspects
Santa Barbara Police Department detectives “left no stone unturned” in their pursuit of suspects involved in a March 1 shooting at a residence on Gillespie Street that left one man critically injured, Chief Cam Sanchez said Tuesday at a news conference.
Working with neighboring jurisdictions, U.S. Marshals and more than 100 tips from local residents, major-crimes detectives helped orchestrate the Monday morning arrest of Jack Mills, 52, and his wife, Rebecca Mills, 50, in Pahrump, Nev.
The Millses and an unidentified black male are accused of approaching the Gillespie Street residence on March 1, police said. A female resident answered, and Jack Mills allegedly punched the woman in the stomach, knocked her down and shot her 31-year-old nephew in the forehead at close range when he came to her aid.
The victim, who has not been identified, survived the shooting and recently had his stitches removed. His family has moved out of the Gillespie Street residence, and police said he still has headaches and trouble walking.
A series of tips from neighbors, community members and other law enforcement agencies helped find the Millses through their 1993 black Volvo sedan spotted on Gillespie Street the day of the shooting. Someone spotted a car matching the eyewitness description at a gas station off Turnpike Road, and surveillance photos led to a positive identification of the suspects by the victims.
The photos were circulated to nearby law enforcement agencies, and a Lompoc detective recognized Rebecca Mills. Background checks led the investigation to Nevada, where the two were arrested. The couple have criminal records, including sexual assault, robbery, violence toward children and drug charges.
Detectives are continuing to investigate at least two other suspects, unidentified black males who were allegedly with the Millses the day of the shooting.
Jack Mills was booked into jail for attempted murder, with bail set at $1 million. Rebecca Mills is being held on $500,000 bail for accessory to attempted murder. They are in custody at the Nye County Correctional Facility in Nevada awaiting extradition to Santa Barbara.
The gun used in the shooting hasn’t been recovered, but Sanchez said there is substantial circumstantial evidence besides the victim’s identification that links the Millses to the shooting.
The motive and relationship — if any — of all the parties involved is unknown. The victim was not involved in any “nefarious activity,” said Sgt. Ed Olsen, major-crimes supervisor.
Once the department’s detectives decide to go after someone, the hunt’s on, Sanchez said, adding that cooperation from the public at large and other agencies narrowing in on the suspects helped “cinch that noose.”
He said that although events such this don’t happen often, it’s a reminder that there is much more to police enforcement than gang issues — there are hundreds of parolees, registered sex offenders and more to deal with in the city.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the other suspects is asked to call Detective Mike Claytor at 805.897.2335.
— Noozhawk staff writer Giana Magnoli can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.
More Local News »
County Supervisors Approve First Reading of Oil Pipeline Agreement for Venoco
Next week's public meeting the last step before the company can begin operations
Goleta Seeks Public Input on Law Enforcement Services
Participants are needed for two focus groups scheduled for Feb. 15
City Council Authorizes Design Contract for Redevelopment of Cliff Drive Intersection
Tuesday's meeting is dedicated to Santa Barbara filmmaker Mike deGruy, who died in a helicopter crash; a memorial service is planned for Sunday
Goleta Woman Accused of Having Sex with Teen Boy
Sheriff's Department says victim recently came forward about 2008 relationship
Goleta Police Warn Public About Recent Home Burglaries
Witnesses report seeing a suspect going door to door in the neighborhood around Scripps Crescent Street
Weather: Fair 55.0º
Search Noozhawk »
