Disturbing new trend in Fresno County small towns: Gun violence targeting teens

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A troubling trend has already shaken far too many Valley families.

Fresno County investigators are looking into a rash of tragedies in small towns targeting teens.
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The latest crime in Orange Cove left a 14-year-old girl killed and her 19-year-old boyfriend wounded.

Early Wednesday morning, the two teens became the latest victims of gun violence in a small Fresno County.

It was around 3 am in Orange Cove when the Fresno County Sheriff's Office says the two were standing outside an apartment complex along E street.

Deputies say they were approached by somebody who ultimately pulled out a gun and fired shots in both their directions.



The shooter took off and investigators say they don't know anything about why the two were targeted,
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The girl was identified at Araceli Gutierrez. She was taken to the hospital but didn't survive. Her boyfriend remains in critical condition.

Sheriff's officials say this shooting is part of a disturbing trend of teens killed in small Fresno County towns.

In January, a 14-year-old was shot and 16-year-old Fabian Ramos was killed in Orange Cove.

In Parlier, 16-year-old Ricardo Chavana was killed in February, then 15-year-old Anthony Garcia was killed in June.

Then in July, 15-year-old Alan Herrera was murdered in Reedley.
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So far, no arrests have been made for these murders.



Investigators say they don't suspect gang activity played a role in Wednesday's Orange Cove shooting but they aren't ruling it out.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

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