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

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.

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,

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.

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.