Person of Interest Detained in Deadly Natomas High Shooting

16-year-old victim identified as De'Jon Sledge, with family disputing gang affiliation claims

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty details of a crime scene.A single piece of physical evidence from the Natomas High School shooting exposes the stark reality of gun violence in the community.Today in Sacramento

A person of interest has been detained by Sacramento police in connection to a fatal shooting at Natomas High School on Friday, where a 16-year-old boy was killed. The victim was identified as De'Jon Sledge, with his family disputing claims that he was affiliated with any gangs.

Why it matters

The shooting at a local high school has shaken the community, raising concerns about school safety and the need for more resources to support at-risk youth. The family's statement challenging the portrayal of their son also highlights the importance of avoiding assumptions and letting the facts guide the narrative.

The details

The shooting occurred after 3:30 pm on Friday near the 3300 block of Fong Ranch Road. Police and fire personnel found the juvenile victim with at least one gunshot wound, and despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the identity of the detained person of interest.

  • The shooting happened after 3:30 pm on Friday, April 14, 2026.
  • Police and first responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

The players

De'Jon Sledge

A 16-year-old boy who was fatally shot at Natomas High School. His family has disputed claims that he was affiliated with any gangs.

Sacramento Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting and detaining a person of interest.

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What they’re saying

“Despite what is being said about my son, he was an awesome kid. The picture that social media, the news, and even law enforcement are trying to portray is not who my son was. He was not affiliated with any gang. Yes, he grew up in Meadowview. But he was not a "Meadowview Gang Member.”

— De'Jon Sledge's mother

What’s next

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting and the detained person of interest. The victim's family is advocating for a more accurate portrayal of their son.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater support and resources for at-risk youth, as well as the importance of avoiding assumptions and letting the facts guide the narrative around such events.