Hunt For Deputy's Killer Heats Up
New Developments in Murder of Deputy Jeff Mitchell
SACRAMENTO COUNTY (CBS13) - There are new developments tonight in the hunt for a cop killer – a case that has haunted investigators for nearly five years. The case involves Deputy Jeff Mitchell, a 9-year veteran who was on patrol for the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department when he was shot by a killer – or killers - who are still on the loose.
Detectives on the case believe they are one step closer now to making an arrest. CBS 13 visited the two crime scenes involved in the case – and recorded exclusive interviews with investigators who are still tracking down leads.
"Based on the evidence, you have a pretty good idea who did this?" this reporter asked Detective Tony Turnbull.
"We have a pretty good idea who is responsible yes," Turnbull told CBS 13.
Tony Turnbull is the lead detective in a case that has baffled investigators since October 27, 2006. That's when Deputy Jeff Mitchell spotted a suspicious white van with no rear license plate on Meiss Road, just south of Jackson Highway in Sacramento County.
Mitchell approached the van but encountered someone who did not want to be discovered – because of two dead bodies that were hidden inside the van, investigators believe. There was a violent struggle – then a gun shot – and when it was over Jeff Mitchell lay lying on the ground – mortally wounded with his own weapon. 
That same white van was discovered twelve hours later abandoned in the Consumnes River, along Highway 49 in El Dorado County approximately 28 miles from the spot where Jeff Mitchell was murdered.
Inside the van, investigators discovered the bodies of 43-year old Allan Shubert - the registered owner of the vehicle -- and his friend, 28-year old Nicole Welch.
The coroner's office ruled that both Shubert and Welch died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Detectives believe they were already dead at the crime scene where Deputy Mitchell was murdered. Investigators strongly suspect someone was desperate to dispose of the bodies – and very determined not to go back to prison – providing a strong motive in the case.
"Would somebody who's wanted, who has a criminal history, who all of a sudden has two bodies in a van - how are they going to explain that away, is pretty good motive," Turnbull said.
After Deputy Mitchell was murdered, the killer – or killers – then took off in the white van and tried to escape before getting stuck in the Consumnes River. On the other side was a property where Shubert and Welch had planned to go camping before their deaths. That property was also known to the driver of that van – and now after more than 4,000 leads, the trail is getting closer to the elusive driver.
"We have a person of interest. And they know who they are," said Detective Turnbull.
"And is there more than one?" this reporter asked.
"Yeah there's more than one," Turnbull told CBS 13.
More than one person of interest – but little DNA evidence recovered from the scene of the crime – to link the suspects to the murder of Deputy Mitchell.
"We know these people have associates that they're very close to and we know that some of these people have lied thus far," said Turnbull. "And it's time for them to come forward."
Today, a memorial along Meiss Road serves as a constant reminder that Deputy Mitchell's murder is still unsolved. It's a raw wound for the investigators on this case – and his family.
"I don't have any faith that these people are going to on their own come forward," said Crystal Mitchell. In an exclusive interview with CBS 13, Mitchell's widow said she has not lost hope that justice will prevail.
"What I have faith in is that people who know what these people did are going to find it somewhere in their hearts to come forward," she said.
Meanwhile, detectives are still working non-stop to crack the case – and exploring all the evidence, but need help from the public to make arrests. If you have any information that can help investigators catch a cop killer – call Detective Tony Turnbull at (916) 874-3778.
