FRESNO (KMJ) — An overnight shooting just outside Downtown Fresno could be related to prostitution.
Police were called just before midnight to an area close to Belmont Avenue and Mariposa Street on Thursday. There they found the victim, who was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
Fresno Police Detectives believe the incident may have stemmed from a dispute over street prostitution, but a variety of leads are being investigated as well.
“That victim was with another family member and his girlfriend in the area”, says Lieutenant Joe Gomez. “There was some type of disturbance between his group and two African-American males”
The person who fired the gun is said to have been wearing a red baseball cap, gray shirt, and jeans. Both he and the other person seen with him are now being sought by Fresno Police. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 888-498-STOP.
Detectives are working with Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office to establish the cause of death and recover evidence from the body of the murder victim.
It is the 21st murder in the City of Fresno in 2016 – compared to 30 murders at the same time in 2015.
Hear the story from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
