Drug dealer arrested for homicide in fatal Citrus Heights fentanyl sales case

By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Police detectives have arrested 34-year-old Collin Reed Holcomb on charges of homicide in a fatal fentanyl sales case following the death of a 33-year-old male in February of this year, according to a May 30 department press release.

Prior to the arrest, detectives conducted a months-long investigation that involved collecting and reviewing evidence, interviewing multiple involved parties, and surveillance of the suspect.

Earlier this week, Citrus Heights IMPACT Detectives conducted surveillance on Holcomb at his apartment in Davis, California. On May 29, Citrus Heights Police Detectives and Davis Police Detectives, took Holcomb into custody outside his apartment.

Following his arrest, detectives served a search warrant and found additional illegal narcotics inside the apartment, along with a child, according to the release. Holcomb was booked into the Yolo County Jail. Yolo County Child Protective Services (CPS) was also contacted to assist the child living at the residence.

The fatality alleged to be connected to Holcomb occurred on Feb. 15, 2024, when Citrus Heights Police were dispatched to the 7900 block of Madison Avenue for a medical emergency. Upon arrival, police said officers located a male subject, later identified as 33-year-old Bradley Mitchell, who was deceased.

According to police, parties at the residence with Mitchell said he’d overdosed, and attempts to give the victim Narcan to revive him were unsuccessful. In the following days, detectives uncovered evidence showing Holcomb had sold fentanyl to Mitchell. Detectives then secured a homicide arrest warrant.

“Holcomb could be one of the first homicide fentanyl poisoning case convictions in Sacramento County, a significant step in solidifying the seriousness of fentanyl sales and the District Attorney’s resolve to hold those who poison our communities accountable,” the department wrote in the press release, adding that the Police Department and the district attorney’s office are committed to “taking a hard stance” against those who distribute lethal fentanyl into the community and will ensure justice is served “swiftly and decisively.”

Anyone with information about this crime, or any Citrus Heights crime, is encouraged to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department Crime Tip Line at 916-727-5524. Those wishing to remain anonymous and share information leading to the arrest or conviction of a crime can also contact the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers tip hotline at (916) 443-HELP, with potential for reward money to be issued.