Homicide suspect Rocky Allen Overturf, 26, was jailed Monday night for the alleged murder of Aaron Messick, 36, on November 19 behind an Escalon bar – the Valley Inn on Main Street.
Overturf has been at large since the murder nine days ago and has since cut his facial hair and changed his haircut appearance.  He is being held without bail in the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp awaiting his first court appearance at the Stockton Courthouse today at 1:31 p.m.
Modesto Police Department’s Street Gang unit was responsible for Overturf’s arrest when officers made a traffic stop on a vehicle near Hatch and Geer roads, according to the Escalon Police Department.  Overturf was reportedly a passenger in that vehicle and was taken into custody by officers and released to Escalon police. 
The Messick family was numbed with the murder of their son.  Both longtime teachers in the Ripon Unified School District, the Messicks are a musical family with mom Terry having been the RUSD music teacher and Theater Arts instructor where she produced countless stage plays with her students.  Garry Messick, now retired, was a veteran teacher at Colony Oak Elementary School. Aaron Messick attended Ripon schools and graduated from Ripon High.
Overturf and Messick reportedly got into a heated argument inside the Valley Inn before they decided to part company.  Overturf left in his vehicle but only to drive around to the back of the bar when Messick exited by the rear door, according to authorities who said Overturf allegedly struck Messick causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground causing the fatal injuries.
Escalon Police Detective Anthony Hardgraves is the lead detective in the case and anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact him at 209.838.7093.
A GoFundMe.com memorial fund has been established to help in defraying funeral expenses for the deceased man who has been lauded as a loving son, brother, boyfriend and good friend to many in both Ripon and Escalon. The Gofundme account has exceeded some $11,000 in donations from family members and friends.  To make an additional memorial donation go to Gofundme.com online.

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.