Sacramento police identify bail bondsman killed in downtown attack

SACRAMENTO – Sacramento police identified the man killed after an attack on I Street downtown as 56-year-old Kevin Brace, a longtime employee of Greg Padilla Bail Bonds.

According to police, officers responded to reports of an assault around 4:15 a.m. Monday and found Brace with significant injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time, several witnesses were interviewed and a suspect was arrested. Police arrested 38-year-old Jacob Mandell for murder, but did not disclose a motive for the attack.

Co-workers of Greg Padilla Bail Bonds told CBS13 that Brace had a heart for helping others and specifically worked the night shift because it gave him the chance to help the most vulnerable people.

Staff believe Brace unlocked the front door after the suspect asked to use the phone before being thrown out and attacked. Neighbors who knew Brace said he was loved by the entire community.

“When I heard this terrible news, my heart sank,” said neighbor Sarah Flores. “He was a good neighbor and everyone likes him.”

Flores said he leaves behind a wife and family.

The owner of Greg Padilla Bail Bonds declined to appear on camera but said he would attend Mandell’s arraignment and talk about how policymakers can address the increasing violence in downtown Sacramento.

Sacramento police are asking witnesses with information to call 911 dispatch at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). They remind the public that callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.