FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Police announce suspects are wanted in two murder cases as the city sees an increase in violence.
Fresno Police report in first two months of 2017, there have been 15 killings, compared to eight at this time last year.
On Wednesday March 8th, Police Chief Jerry Dyer announced three men wanted in connection with the murder of a 20-year old pregnant women, Amber Baker (photo above) in Central Fresno.
On February 26th, while her four-month-old baby slept in the same room, Baker was shot and killed inside her apartment near Blackstone Avenue and Griffith Way.
Chief Jerry Dyer named murder suspects 18 year-old Gabriel Garza (above left), and Baker’s boyfriend, 17-year-old Isaac Razo (center photo) – and a third suspect – 19 year-old Jonathan Guizar (right photo), who he said is wanted for questioning for Baker’s murder as well as being sought for a series of Craigslist robberies.
On Thursday, Sgt. Larry Bowlan said a fourth suspect wanted for murder had been arrested. However, there was not enough evidence to charge him, and he was released. His identity has yet to be revealed. Bowlan points out that should evidence point back towars him, he could be arrested again.
Chief Dyer also identified 18 year-old Vincent Cortez, as the person in custody for a series of stabbings, including the death of a homeless woman.
42 year-old Tina Luster was found with stab wounds near Blackstone and Home Avenue on Friday, February 17th. She died of her injuries a short time later.
Dyer said Cortez is also believed to be responsible for a stabbing a few blocks south at Blackstone and Olive avenues.
Anyone with information on any of these suspects is asked to Call Valley CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP.
Click to listen to the story by KMJ’s Matt Otstot:
NEWS RELEASE FROM FRESNO PD:
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION: On Sunday, February 26, 2017, at approximately 5:54a.m., Central Police Officers were dispatched to 1434 E. Griffith Apt #201 regarding a shooting victim. Officers arrive and make contact with the victim, identified as Amber Baker, 20 years, in the bedroom. Officers began immediate medical aid which was shortly followed by continued aid from EMS and Fire personnel. Baker remained unresponsive and died at the scene. Baker has no criminal history at was pregnant at the time of her death. Detectives have been working throughout the night and now know several individuals were present inside the bedroom when the shooting occurred. We are requesting the public’s help in identifying the aforementioned individuals.
Anyone calling with information can remain completely anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP. You may also contact the Fresno Police Department – Homicide Detectives David Fenstermaker 621-2441 or Miguel Alvarez 621-2433 with information regarding this investigation under Fresno PD Case# 17-13278.
