Only one Fresno County Sheriff's Homicide Detective worked Monday -- he was one of two detectives not involved in Thursday's deadly shootout. Robert Buenrostro was following up on another case in Northern California.
"Probably 15 minutes before getting to the prison ... knew it was our team," said Buenrostro.
Buenrostro turned around and headed back to Fresno, all the while wondering what they all must've endured without him. He said, "I couldn't drive fast enough to help my partners."
Buenrostro has talked with several of the detectives who were there, at the shooting. He says each feels such a great loss. Plus, they are coping with the close brush with death themselves.
Deputy Wahlenmaier worked on the search and rescue team for several years, where he was the one saving others from dangerous situations. He did it, according to co-workers with great dedication.
Sheriff Margaret Mims knew Wahlenmaier personally. She remembers once when a 90-year-old man approached him wanting to meet her. He set it up and made sure it happened.
For homicide detectives, with one of them missing, everyday will be different. For Detective Buenrostro, it's already setting in.
"It's unreal and I know that I will be coming into work everyday from now on knowing that Wally as we know him is gone," said Buenrostro.
Many of the detectives who were serving that warrant have been spending time together and with their families. They have also been reaching out to Wahlenmaier's family. Counseling has been made available to them. The homicide team is a close knit group and Detective Buenrostro said together, they will make it through.
