Samantha Sue Cromwell, 29, was killed in a shooting outside an Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Arden-Arcade on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Police arrested Edward Lee Daniel Tucker Jr., 36, in connection with the homicide, which occurred while the victim was celebrating her son’s 8th birthday.
Details of the Shooting on Arden Way
The Sacramento Police Department responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday near the 1700 block of Arden Way, located across from the Arden Fair mall. Upon arrival, officers discovered two women who had each sustained at least one gunshot wound. Emergency personnel provided medical aid to Cromwell, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.
The second woman, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital. As of Sunday, she remained in critical condition, reported the Sacramento Police Department. Dispatch audio reviewed by the Sacramento Bee indicated that no one inside the trampoline park had been struck when first responders arrived, though the facility was crowded with over 100 people, including children, at the time of the incident.
Arrest of Edward Lee Daniel Tucker Jr.
Investigators identified 36-year-old Edward Lee Daniel Tucker Jr. of Fresno as the suspect. Following the shooting, police booked Tucker into the Sacramento County Main Jail on homicide-related charges. According to jail records, he is currently ineligible for bail. His arraignment is expected to take place in Sacramento Superior Court between Tuesday and Wednesday, as reported by the Sacramento Bee.
Family members identified Tucker as Cromwell’s husband. Cedric Ward, Cromwell’s stepfather, stated that she had been attempting to separate from Tucker before the incident occurred. I still don’t know how he located her over there,
Ward said, according to KCRA. I don’t wish this pain on anyone.
Witness Accounts and Family Response
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic environment as the shooting unfolded during birthday celebrations. Bonita Lopez, who was inside the park during the incident, described the experience to KCRA: It was scary. It was very scary.
Cromwell’s family, who described her as a devoted mother, has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses and the future care of her 8-year-old son. In a statement released Monday, the family remembered her as a bright soul
who made a significant impact on those around her. She loved her son more so than anything in the world,
Ward said. She would, you know, scorch the earth for him. You know that was her pride and joy. Everything was DJ.
The Sacramento Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information to contact the department at 916-808-5471 or reach out to Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers, where callers may be eligible for a reward, police said.