FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) – One of the three men charged in a deadly 2018 shooting in Fresno has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.
25-year-old Laevon Milton appeared in court on Monday morning, May 20, 2024.
He and 26-year-old Xavier Hamilton are both charged in connection with the death of 20-year-old Trazhan Heights.
The killing happened back in 2018 in west central Fresno.
Police say Heights was visiting a friend when he was shot several times in the back.
Officers found Heights suffering from gunshot wounds on March 10, 2018 at the Pioneer Village Apartments near Marks and McKinley avenues.
He was taken to the hospital, where he died.
An 11-year-old child was also hit but survived.
During a press conference on Monday, May 13, 2024 Fresno police announced the arrests of 26-year-old Michael Joyce, 26-year-old Xavier Hamilton and 25-year-old Laevon Milton.
“The information provided by the community — those leads and those tips, were instrumental in ultimately us not only identifying, but locating and apprehending those individuals responsible for this heinous murder,” said Fresno Police Lt. Paul Cervantes.
Police say the suspects are all known gang members and have extensive criminal histories.
Milton is being held on over $1 million dollars bail.
He’s due back in court on May 30, 2024.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
