A deadly shooting tore through a quiet Northeast Fresno neighborhood in the early hours of Monday, leaving two 15‑year‑olds dead and a 14‑year‑old wounded in what police are calling a targeted, intentional attack.
What Happened
- Around 1:30 a.m., a group of four teenagers was walking near San Jose and 4th Streets, just a short distance from a local high school.
- The teens were headed from dinner at nearby restaurants to a friend’s house when gunfire erupted, Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said.
- Two 15‑year‑olds were fatally shot, and a 14‑year‑old was also struck. He was initially critical, but his condition has since improved to stable.
- The fourth teen was not shot, according to police.
Chief Casto described the attack as cold‑blooded and intentional, and added that there is evidence of gang involvement, though investigators have not yet identified a clear motive.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives spent Monday combing the scene for evidence, but no suspects are in custody and no clear descriptions of a getaway vehicle or shooters have been released. Officers believe a vehicle was likely used in the escape, but no surveillance images or detailed leads have been made public yet.
The deaths bring Fresno’s homicide count to nine so far this year, compared with four at the same point last year — a sobering indicator of rising violent crime.
What Officials Are Saying
Chief Casto reiterated that the shooting appears to have been targeted, not random, and stressed that investigators are following up on leads. Police are urging anyone with information or video from the area around San Jose and 4th Streets between 1:15 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. to contact authorities.
