California Department of Justice Special Operations Unit assisted with investigation
“We appreciate the efforts of all investigative agencies that pursue answers in missing persons and homicide cases, no matter how far they date back. Families deserve answers and our communities deserve safety and criminal justice.”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
VACAVILLE – On September 11, 2025, Vacaville Police Department detectives arrested two suspects in connection with the homicide of Luther Harris:
• John Lipsey, 41, of Woodland, arrested for the murder of Luther Harris.
• Erika Kelsh, 33, of Woodland, arrested for being an accessory to murder.
Luther Harris was first reported missing to the Dixon Police Department on May 10, 2020, by his mother, a resident of Dixon. At the time, Harris was 37 years old and lived in Vacaville. He was last seen in the parking lot of his apartment complex in the 1500 block of Alamo Drive. In June 2021, the Vacaville Police Department assumed responsibility as the lead investigative agency. Through the course of this extensive investigation, detectives conducted numerous interviews, executed multiple search warrants, and collected critical evidence to determine what happened to Harris.
In December 2024, evidence was developed indicating Harris may have been the victim of a homicide. The case was then formally reclassified as a homicide investigation.
The Vacaville Police Department expressed its gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and California Department of Justice Special Operations Unit for their vital support throughout this case.
“In collaboration with our local law enforcement partners, we’re proud of the work our Division of Law Enforcement, Special Operations Unit did to assist with this homicide investigation,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a Facebook post. “At CA DOJ, we’re committed to pursuing justice and hope this arrest will help provide some closure.”
The homicide case remains an active investigation, according to the Vacaville Police Department.
