FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On Thursday morning, the preliminary hearing continued for one of the deadliest mass shootings in Fresno.
Four people were killed and six others were injured by the gunfire, which happened during a backyard party on Lamona Avenue in 2019.
“Do you remember being interviewed by law enforcement or participating in an interview for any subject matter related to that event?” Honorable Judge Jonathan Conklin asked the witness.
Three men, Ger Lee, Billy Xiong and Anthony Montes, sat next to their defense attorney as the prosecutor questioned a witness whom Action News cannot name or show.
Prosecutors allege the shooting was carried out by members of a street gang seeking revenge for the killing of Randy Xiong earlier the same day.
“‘I don’t remember, I don’t remember.’ That is a tactic generally used by a witness who changes his mind and does not want to cooperate, so that is a problem in this particular case at this point in time,” said Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi.
Prosecutors showed a nearly hour-long video in which the witness said much more during an interview with detectives.
He gave details about the plan for the shooting and who was involved.
Capozzi says there may be multiple reasons why a witness who spoke with detectives does not say the same thing in a courtroom.
“Keep in mind, the other three co-defendants are in there, they are listening to the statements he made to the police before, and they are watching him while he is on the stand, so he is in a tough and dangerous position,” said Capozzi.
The preliminary hearing will continue on Monday morning.
By ABC 30’s Elisa Navarro on Facebook, X and Instagram.
