By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com
Two more suspects are in custody in connection with the June 15 killing of 50-year-old Fernando Vichez in the Town & Country Village neighborhood, according to authorities.
On Monday, Sacramento County sheriff's detectives arrested 36-year-old Fitima Goodman on suspicion of murder and robbery, said department spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran.
Also that day, Fresno police arrested Goodman's 15-year-old son on the same charges, Curran said. The boy had been staying at his father's house in Fresno, Curran said.
Already in custody is Jermaine Antonio Barnes, 22. Detectives allege that Goodman was driving a car in which her son, Barnes and another passenger the morning of June 15 when they came across Vichez walking in the area of Howe Avenue and Whippoorwill Lane, Curran said.
Three people got out of the car and attempted to rob Vichez of cash, but he ended up beaten and shot, Curran said.
A sheriff's deputy patrolling the area heard the gunshots and found Vichez lying in the street. He died later at a hospital.
The relationship between Goodman, her son and Barnes is unknown. Detectives believe Vichez was not known to his assailants and instead was chosen at random, Curran said.
A fourth arrest in the case is possible, Curran said.
Goodman, who is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, has one previous criminal case in Sacramento County, according to online Superior Court records. She was convicted of misdemeanor petty theft in 1995, though the conviction was dismissed in 2006.
Barnes is due back in court Dec. 17.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
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