FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Central Fresno shooter remains at large, leaving a family devastated after a fatal shooting Saturday night at Dakota and Hughes.
Anthony Rodriguez shared his grief over the loss of his younger brother, Joe Rodriguez, affectionately called Joey. “I didn’t really get to talk to him, but I really do wish I could. I could give him a big hug, tell him I love him, and, you know, tell him everything’s gonna be alright,” Anthony said emotionally.
The crime scene has since transformed into a vast memorial, where loved ones have left candles and heartfelt messages for the 19-year-old. Anthony stood in front of the commemorations, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. “Look at this. It’s all for my brother, you know? Got his name everywhere. He was loved,” he expressed, gazing at the memorial.
According to Fresno Police, a fight broke out in a strip mall, escalating into gunfire. Officers responding to the scene found Joey with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their efforts to provide medical assistance, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lieutenant Brian Valles of the Fresno Police stated, “It appears that there was a fight in that strip mall, some in front of some of the businesses on the southwest corner, that carried over to the alleyway, and at some point in the alleyway, that fight—or where it was—where Mr. Rodriguez was shot.”
This shooting marks Fresno’s fourth in the last two weeks, two of which have been deadly. Lt. Valles added, “There is an uptick, and we’re being extremely proactive in our responses and finding those individuals that are responsible, identifying them, putting the good cases together, in hopes that we can get a solid prosecution.”
Anthony revealed that Joey was just nine days shy of his 20th birthday. “He was always smiling, too, man. I’m proud of him for that. Smiling through the struggle,” he said.
The family now waits as investigators continue working to find Joey’s killer. “We’re talking to the detectives, trying to see what’s going on, get the people that did this caught, and bring my brother justice,” Anthony shared.
Fresno Police have confirmed the shooting is gang-related. As of Monday, no suspect has been identified.
https://abc30.com/post/19-year-old-man-shot-killed-central-fresno-identified/18480385/