Authorities have identified the man fatally shot outside a liquor store in Sacramento County’s Lemon Hill neighborhood on Wednesday morning as 38-year-old Keith Deon Golson, according to the county coroner’s office.
The deadly shooting, which occurred near Franklin Boulevard and 44th Avenue, has left residents shaken and raised concerns about violence in the area.
Argument Between Customers Turns Deadly
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting appears to have stemmed from an argument between two customers outside the store. Details about what sparked the confrontation remain under investigation, but deputies confirmed that the situation escalated quickly into gunfire.
A pedestrian discovered Golson lying on the ground with critical injuries shortly after the incident. Deputies and emergency personnel responded to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, including CPR. Golson was transported to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts from medical staff, he was pronounced dead.
Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots just after 10 a.m., followed by sirens as first responders rushed to the area. Several nearby businesses temporarily closed while deputies secured the scene and gathered evidence.
Suspect Arrested Hours Later
By Wednesday evening, the sheriff’s office announced that deputies had arrested 56-year-old Pedro Alonzo in connection with the shooting. Investigators said Alonzo was identified as a suspect through witness statements and surveillance footage from businesses in the area.
Deputies also located a vehicle believed to be connected to the crime. The car, which had a distinctive tire strapped to its roof, was found abandoned at a nearby gas station. Investigators believe it may have been used by Alonzo after the shooting, though the exact role of the vehicle remains under review.
Another person was detained early in the investigation, but after questioning, officials determined they were not involved and released them.
Alonzo was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of murder. Authorities confirmed he is being held without bail.
Victim Identified as Sacramento Resident
On Friday, the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office formally identified the victim as Keith Deon Golson, a 38-year-old Sacramento resident.
Friends and community members described Golson as a friendly and well-known figure in the neighborhood. While little is publicly known about his personal life, those who gathered near the liquor store following the incident left candles and flowers in his memory. Some neighbors said Golson frequented the area and was often seen talking with local business owners and residents.
Community Reaction and Concerns
The shooting has sparked renewed conversations about public safety in Lemon Hill, an unincorporated community in Sacramento County where residents have long voiced concerns about crime and loitering near liquor stores and convenience shops.
“This is really heartbreaking,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “People in this community are tired of seeing violence so close to home. Something has to change to keep our kids and families safe.”
The sheriff’s office has said that detectives are still piecing together the events that led up to the deadly altercation. Officials urged anyone with additional information or surveillance video from the area to contact investigators.
Ongoing Investigation
While Alonzo remains in custody, prosecutors with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office will determine the formal charges in the coming days. If convicted of murder, Alonzo faces the possibility of life in prison.
Sheriff’s officials stressed that the case remains active and encouraged residents to come forward if they witnessed the argument or its aftermath.
“This is a tragedy that resulted from a conflict that escalated into deadly violence,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Our priority now is ensuring justice for the victim and his family.”
For now, the community mourns the loss of Golson, while law enforcement works to uncover the full circumstances of the shooting that cut his life short.
