The Sacramento Brief March 20, 2026

Sacramento Brief — March 20, 2026Oak Park Homicide Raises Questions About Mental Health DiversionNew details in March 12 Oak Park killingSuspect Willie King was enrolled in pretrial mental health diversionRecently received a satisfactory progress report before arrestDA Thien Ho says case highlights risks of diversion for potentially violent defendantsKing now facing homicide, firearm, and pursuit charges after SWAT standoffRancho Cordova House Party Shooting — Guilty VerdictAmyis Coogler convicted of second-degree murderVictim: 20-year-old Corey Shearer (2022 shooting)Evidence included witness accounts, surveillance, and DNA-linked firearmSentencing set for April 10Faces up to 40 years to lifeSouth Sacramento Shooting — First-Degree Murder ConvictionPeter Phan found guilty in killing of Andy VanVictim shot through car window after being chasedIncident tied to prior disputeFaces life without paroleSentencing scheduled for June 12City Watch — National Day of PlaySacramento County encouraging outdoor activityEvent at Sailor Bar (American River Parkway)Features: new benches & picnic tables, nature tour, scavenger huntFocus on community, accessibility, and outdoor connectionWeatherFriday: Sunny, high near 90Friday Night: Clear, low around 60Weekend EventsFriday — Court Queens Author TalkFeaturing Sacramento native Jordan RobinsonWomen’s basketball history and cultural impactGuild Theater, 6 PMSaturday — Storytellers FestivalSacramento Valley Storytellers Guild eventLive performances + storytelling workshopOak Park Community Center, 1–5 PMSunday — Giants Exhibition GameSan Francisco Giants vs. Sacramento affiliateSutter Health Park, 5 PMTickets: $34–$92