Roseville park shooter pleads guilty for 2023 murder, kidnapping

Eric James Abril, 38, of Roseville entered guilty pleas Wednesday in relation to a kidnapping and shooting incident that took place at Mahany Park in Roseville on April 6, 2023. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer tried to serve Abril a warrant as part of a planned operation in April 2023. According to a prior Gold Mountain California News Media report, Roseville Police responded to assist a CHP Task Force officer after "shots fired" was broadcast over the police radio and a CHP officer was struck. Abril fled the scene through Mahany Park and took two civilian hostages, who he later shot. One hostage was pronounced deceased at the scene, the prior report notes. Abril pled guilty to first-degree murder, the attempted murder of a peace officer and kidnapping. The Placer County District Attorney's Office confirmed Abril also admitted the special circumstance that the murder was committed in the commission of a kidnapping, as well as "allegations and factors in aggravation as they relate to these charges." Abril previously pled not guilty by reason of insanity in February 2025, according to prior reports. According to the DA's Office, it is anticipated Abril will be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus additional prison time for the other charges. Abril is scheduled to be sentenced at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, in Department 20 of the Placer County Superior Court in Roseville.