(KMJ) Fresno Police have arrested the suspect in a series of deadly mid-day shootings in downtown Fresno.
39 year old Kori Ali Muhammad was taken into custody after allegedly shooting and killing 3 people Tuesday. The shootings were random according to Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
The victims, all white males, have not been identified. The first shooting, picked up by FPD’s “Shot Spotter” technology, occurred around 10:45AM on N. Van Ness Ave.
A total of 16 rounds were fired in under one minute in four different locations.
pictures via Twitter
“Kori Muhammad was at a bus stop, that’s where he reloaded. We know that he shot two people within about a half block of each other one in the Catholic Charity’s parking lot and another one nearby, ” Dyer said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Dyer continued, “This was a random act of violence. These individuals that were chosen today did not do anything to deserve what they got. These were unprovoked attacks by an individual that was intent on carrying out homicides today and he did that. Fortunately he’s in custody.”
Muhammad, who goes by the nickname “Black Jesus” according to Chief Dyer, had been on the run since last Thursday night when he allegedly murdered a security guard at the Motel 6 at Blackstone & Ashlan.
“The victim, Carl Williams was 25 years old, suffered from multiple gunshot wounds and later died at CRMC,” explains Police Lieutenant Mark Hudson. “Williams was an unarmed security guard, and the shooting appears to be unprovoked.”
Friday’s first victim was a PG&E employee who was a passenger in a work vehicle.
Denny Boyles, Corporate Relations Pacific Gas and Electric Company released the following statement: “Our hearts are very heavy today, as we have lost a member of our PG&E family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our employee, and all those impacted by this tragic event. Public and employee safety is always our top priority. While we focus on safety every day, no training or protective equipment can prepare one for events outside of one’s control. We are cooperating with law enforcement authorities as they investigate the incident. This loss is particularly difficult for our employees who live and work in the Fresno area. We are sending additional resources to support our employees in the Central Valley.”
Muhammad, who has a criminal history involving drugs, weapons and terrorist threats, is currently being interrogated. He will face 4 counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Hate crime charges are also likely to be filed.
The murder weapon, likely a .357 magnum, has not been found. Dyer said a .357 was also used in the Motel 6 homicide.
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand issued the following statement: “This is a sad day for us all. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. None of us can imagine what they must be going through. I am grateful for the quick and decisive response of our Police Department in preventing further senseless violence. “If there were ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future, I would not hesitate in using them. Again, my heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones today.”
