FRESNO, CA (KMJ- A Fresno man who drove to Mendota to meet a woman from the internet is killed.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Spokesman Tony Botti says 20-year-old Tyrel Truss was the victim of a robbery set-up gone wrong.
On Thursday, September 26, Tyrel Truss drove to Mendota to meet a woman he had been communicating with on the internet.
20-year-old Alexa Ramos who’d recently moved to Firebaugh from Sioux City Iowa was the lure, asking Truss for a ride to Firebaugh with three friends – a young man and two young women, who came into the city from Iowa.
During the ride, an altercation took place inside the car, and Botti says 18-year-old Isaac Helms shot Truss.
It caused his car to roll into a vehicle parked on Cardella Street in the City of Firebaugh.
Helms, along with Precious Green, Hannah Haywood and Alexa Ramos got out of the car and attempted to run away.
Officers with the Firebaugh Police Department dispatched to the scene, and were able to track down Helms and the other three women.
Additionally, one had personal items belonging to Truss.
Officers found Truss in his car dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
During a search of the scene, a gun believed to be used in the crime was found.
Homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have arrested all four people for their role in Truss’ death.
They each face a charge of murder and have a bail amount of $1 million each.
Botti says it’s a cautionary tale to be careful of who and where you meet someone from the internet.
The case is being submitted to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office to review.
Anyone with additional information that can help this investigation is asked to contact Sheriff’s Homicide Detective Gary Haslam at (559) 600-8209, Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Click to hear the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
