SRPD Investigating First Homicide of 2026, Arrests Made 

At approximately 9:15 p.m. on June 8, 2026, the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Communications Center received multiple 911 calls advising that multiple gunshots were heard in the 3000 block of Marlow Road. As officers responded, dispatchers received additional information that an adult female had been struck by gunfire and bystanders in the area had rushed to her aid and were providing CPR. Less than 5 minutes after the first 911 call was made, an officer arrived at the scene and took over CPR, continuing until the first medical unit arrived. The quick medical intervention was unfortunately unsuccessful, and the victim was pronounced deceased a short time later.  

Detectives with the SRPD Violent Crimes Investigations Team (VCI), along with Field & Evidence Technicians, responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. During the preliminary investigation, detectives learned the victim had been standing near the northwest driveway leading into a retail shopping center located in the 3000 block of Marlow Road. The suspect, described by witnesses as an adult male wearing dark clothing and a facemask, approached on foot and shot the victim multiple times before walking away from the area, south on Marlow Road.  

Detectives continued their investigation throughout the night, which included reviewing area residential and commercial security camera footage. At approximately 11:00 a.m. on June 9, detectives identified a vehicle believed to be associated with the suspect. The license plate of the vehicle was entered into the Flock Automated License Plate Reader database. At approximately 11:26 a.m., a deputy with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle in the area of Chanate Road and Mendocino Avenue. Three occupants of the vehicle were detained following a traffic stop. 

Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle and located several pieces of evidence believed to be related to this homicide, to include a revolver.  

Dwight Kestler, a 56-year-old resident of Clearlake, was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for the following offense: 

• 187 PC – Murder 

• 1203.2 PC – Violation of probation 

One of the occupants of the above-mentioned vehicle, Jill Bynum, a 57-year-old resident of Clearlake, was arrested and booked for unrelated warrants and the following offense: 

• 32 PC – Accessory after the fact 

Detectives later served a search warrant at a residence associated with Kestler in the 3200 block of 8th Street in Clearlake. Additional evidence linking him to this murder was located during the service of the search warrant. 

The third occupant of the vehicle was determined to not be involved in this incident and was released.  

Detectives are still actively investigating this case, to include the motive and relationship between the victim and suspect, and additional information may be released as the investigation progresses. Additional identifying information about the victim will not be released until her identification has been confirmed by the Coroner and next of kin notifications have been completed. 

This case was resolved less than 15 hours after the homicide occurred, a testament to the thorough and diligent work of Santa Rosa Police Department detectives and officers. Their rapid investigation, combined with the effective use of the Flock Automated License Plate Reader system, enabled the swift identification and location of the suspect vehicle, leading to a timely arrest. The department also extends its sincere gratitude to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for their quick coordination and assistance in locating and safely stopping the suspect vehicle. 

Anyone with information about this incident, including video captured by residential or commercial security cameras, is encouraged to call the SRPD Violent Crimes Investigations Team tipline at 707-543-3590.  

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-5981. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634.