Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have arrested Neven Glen Butler, 18, of North Highlands for the murder of 86-year-old Fusako Petrus. Butler was already in-custody on unrelated assault and elder abuse charges from an arrest on April 26, 2017.
A little after 6:00 a.m. on April 26, 2017, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call advising two females were being physically assaulted near the running track at Highlands High School. Deputies responded to the scene and located two female victims. Deputies made contact with Petrus, who was unresponsive. They immediately began life saving measures. Sacramento Metro Fire responded and pronounced her deceased at the scene. The second female victim was 61-years-old old and was medically treated at the scene.
The two victims commonly walk in that area for exercise. The 61-year-old victim was initially attacked by Butler. When Petrus heard the commotion, she attempted to assist her friend. The suspect then drew his attention to Petrus. The suspect sexually assaulted both victims before causing the injuries that ultimately took the life of Petrus. Butler fled on foot towards Walerga Road after the assault.
In the later afternoon hours of April 26, 2017, the Sheriff’s Department was called to an assault which occurred in the 2200 block of Northrop Avenue in Sacramento. Unprovoked, Butler physically assaulted a 92-year-old female victim. The attack caused facial injuries to the victim. She was transported to a local hospital and treated for her injuries. Butler was still on-scene when deputies arrived. He was taken into custody without incident, and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail and the felony assault and elder abuse charges.
After further investigation, detectives have been able to connect Butler to the scene of the sexual assaults and the murder of Fusako Petrus. Butler was add-booked for murder and is currently ineligible for bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Sacramento Superior Court on May 1, 2017.
