Tragedy in Sacramento: 1 Dead, 1 Arrested, and a Community Demands Action Against Homelessness and Crime!

Mayor’s Response to Criticism Amid Tragic Death of Bail Bondsman Kevin Brace

According to The Sacramento Bee, the tragic death of bail bondsman Kevin Brace in downtown Sacramento has upset families who have lost loved ones to violent crime and Brace’s supporters. Topo Padilla, a colleague of Brace, criticized Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg for not addressing the homelessness crisis and considering cutting police positions due to a budget deficit. Padilla’s plea was supported by the families of homicide victims Kate Tibbett and Christie Wilson who also voiced concerns about the unsafe environment in downtown Sacramento. Padilla emphasized the fear among his employees working downtown and called for more housing and treatment beds for individuals with mental illness highlighting the urgent need for resources amid the homelessness crisis and rising drug-related problems.

In response to the criticism, Mayor Steinberg expressed his condolences to Brace’s loved ones and clarified that the proposed budget does not cut public safety funding. However, City Manager Howard Chan has recommended cutting vacancies across the city, including those within the police department, to address the budget deficit. Meanwhile details surrounding the motive behind Brace’s tragic death remain unclear. Although suspect Jacob Levi Mandell who pleaded not guilty during his arraignment had interactions with Brace’s bail bonds company in the past there is no apparent connection between those interactions and the fatal altercation. Mandell’s background as a seasonal wrestling coach and his prior misdemeanor case add complexity to the investigation as authorities work to unravel the circumstances leading to Brace’s death.

READ ALSO: Bail bondsman identified as victim after deadly fight by downtown jail, Sacramento police say

Tragedy in Sacramento: 1 Dead, 1 Arrested, and a Community Demands Action Against Homelessness and Crime! (PHOTO: CBS News)

In the wake of Brace’s death his family and supporters are calling for unity against crime and unfair policies that fail to prioritize community safety. Jordan Brace his niece remembered him as a kind-hearted person and criticized the impact of drug abuse on his tragic death. She urged collective action against crime and policies that do not address the root causes of violence and substance abuse. Despite suspect Jacob Levi Mandell pleading not guilty seeking justice for Brace’s death is anticipated to be a lengthy process with the community demanding accountability and effective solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

READ ALSO: ‘Gentle giant’: Bondsman tried to help man before Sacramento beating death; suspect arraigne