**Update** Homicide victim's identity confirmed

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) were dispatched to the 1400 block of Cecilia Drive to reports of several gunshots being heard by area residents. Officers discovered an open back gate and a shattered rear sliding glass door at a residence in the area where the shots were heard. Upon further investigation, officers discovered two dogs had been shot at least once each, and they located a deceased adult female on the staircase leading to the second floor. The victim had suffered two gunshot wounds to her chest. 

The victim has been identified by the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office as Mollie Schefer, age 47. Shefer died as a result of the gunshot wounds she suffered. The suspect(s) in this homicide are still outstanding, as is the firearm used in this incident. We understand that an at-large homicide suspect carries potential risk; however, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and do not consider there to be an ongoing threat to the community. 

Anyone with additional information about this investigation is encouraged to call the SRPD VCI tipline at 707-543-3590 or utilize our online tip line at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips. An increased reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Fund. The reward is for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in this incident. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org. 

**Original Message** 

SRPD investigating tenth homicide in 2025

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) were dispatched to the 1400 block of Cecilia Drive to reports of several gunshots heard at or near a specific residence. Officers arrived in the area and located an open back gate at the residence and upon further investigation, they discovered the rear sliding glass door had been shattered. Officers made several attempts to contact any occupants of the residence, all of which were unsuccessful. A deputy with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office with an interior drone responded and assisted in providing a view of the first floor of the residence.  

Through live drone footage, officers were able to see a deceased dog with what appeared to be a gunshot wound and a second injured dog, also likely suffering from a gunshot wound. SRPD officers entered the residence and further searched the house. They located a deceased adult female on the stairs leading to the second floor. The victim, an adult female, appeared to have suffered at least one gunshot wound. No additional victims or people were located in the house. The suspect(s) was not located at the scene, nor was the firearm used in this incident recovered. 

Detectives with the SRPD Violent Crimes Investigations Team (VCI) responded and assumed the investigation. Based on information gathered by patrol officers and the VCI team’s preliminary investigation, it is believed this was a targeted incident. Detectives are actively investigating this homicide and are diligently working to identify any suspects involved. As new details about the incident become available, they will be promptly released to the public. While any situation involving an at-large homicide suspect carries potential risk, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and do not consider there to be an ongoing threat to the community. 

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call the SRPD VCI tipline at 707-543-3590 or utilize our online tip line at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Fund. The reward is for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in this incident.  

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 25-9956. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.