Three Suspects Arrested for Kidnapping, Burson, CA 

August 21, 2025 – Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on August 3rd, 2025, at approximately 12:30 P.M., deputies responded to a disturbance involving firearms in the 3000 block of Burson Road, Burson. The altercation began over a stolen bicycle and involved multiple individuals, two of whom were armed with a shotgun and one with a handgun. As deputies arrived on scene, they were advised that one of the involved parties had fled in a vehicle prior to their arrival.

During the investigation, deputies learned that the suspects approached the front door of the residence and asked to speak with the victim, whom they accused of stealing a bicycle. When the victim stepped outside, the suspects began physically assaulting him, causing him to fall to the ground. They then forcibly dragged him from the front of his residence across the driveway toward an awaiting vehicle. During the assault, one suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot him. Deputies observed drag marks on the victim’s clothing and body, which were covered in dirt and debris. They also noted numerous fresh scratch marks, some of which were bleeding.

Due to the noise of the commotion, the brother exited the residence and noticed that his brother was being assaulted and dragged away. In an effort to intervene, the brother retrieved a shotgun from inside the residence and brandished it in an attempt to stop the suspects and free his brother from being kidnapped. The suspects ultimately let the victim go and fled the scene in a vehicle.

Over the following days, deputies conducted an extensive investigation, reviewing statements, evidence, and tracking leads related to the suspects and the vehicle used in the crime. Their efforts ultimately led to the positive identification of three suspects: James Eliseo Robinett Jr., 22, Trisha Lupe Neely, 39, and Elizabeth Rae Metzger, 22, all from San Andreas.

On August 13, a deputy observed Trisha Neely pulling into a gas station parking lot in San Andreas. She appeared to be driving the same vehicle that was used in the original incident. The deputy made contact and safely placed each of the listed suspects under arrest without incident. All three suspects were booked into the Calaveras County Jail and charged with kidnapping (felony). Suspect Robinett Jr. was additionally booked for assault with a deadly weapon/firearm (felony).

Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office