Suspect in Custody in South Sacramento Homicide 

October 25, 2026 – Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Friday, October 23, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 4900 block of El Paraiso Avenue at the request of Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District personnel.

Fire personnel had initially responded to the residence for a medical aid call after 67-year-old Wendell Celestine reported finding his girlfriend unconscious. Celestine and the 56-year-old female victim had previously been married and divorced but had since rekindled their relationship and were dating again. Upon arrival, fire personnel observed signs of trauma to the victim, as well as broken glass and damaged furniture inside the residence, consistent with a possible physical altercation.

Deputies arrived and detained Celestine. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) responded and assumed the investigation. Based on the investigation, Celestine was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on a charge of murder. He is currently ineligible for bail.

The victim’s identity will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office in accordance with its protocols.

Source & photo: Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office