Local News

2 Arrested in Shooting of 9 Year Old - One Suspect Still at Large

FRESNO - On January 18th, at 8:40 PM Stacie Gonzales experienced the worst day of her life. Seeing her baby girl shot and killed right in front of her own eyes. Something that no parent should ever have to go experience. Since the tragic and senseless murder of Janessa Ramirez the Fresno Police Department's Street Violence Section under the leadership of Lt. Mark Salazar has worked tirelessly on this case, literally working around the clock.

The Fresno PD has had as many as 40 detectives working this case as well as having the assistance of the US Marshalls, DOJ, and Gilroy Police Department. Although there is still work to be done on this case, Chief Jerry Dwyer is pleased to announce the arrest of two individuals for the murder of 9 year old Janessa Ramirez.

Scott Sample Announces Retirement from Madera District Fair

MADERA – After nearly 20 years as the Madera District Fair’s chief executive officer (CEO), Scott Sample has announced he will be retiring in April of this year. As CEO, Sample has managed the complete operation of the fairgrounds, including its annual four-day fair, 200-plus events each year, a very successful flea market, a race track and a lease agreement for the 27-acre shopping center located on the fairgrounds property.

The shopping center lease agreement is perhaps the most notable accomplishment of Sample’s 20-year leadership role at the Madera District Fair. It was an extremely complex project that took over six years to finalize and remains to be the only partnership of its kind between a state fairgrounds and the private sector.

Tribal Police Chief Surrenders at Court

MADERA - John Oliveira, the tribal police chief for the Tex McDonald Faction of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, turned himself in to authorities Wednesday morning at the Madera County Superior Court. Oliveira was the alleged mastermind of the October 9th armed raid of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Oliveira, who was wanted on an $800,000 warrant, was quoted in a Fresno Bee article last week that he would turn himself at court this morning. He claimed to need time to find evidence for this case that would protect his family while he was in jail. His bail has been increased to $1.25 million. Along with Tex McDonald and Vernon King, the three were in court for a hearing on the case.

Sureno Gang Members Arrested in Madera for Fresno Shooting

FRESNO - Northeast Patrol Officers from the Fresno Police Department responded to 3500 block of E. Princeton regarding shots fired into a vehicle last Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim. The victim told officers she was visiting friends in the 2300 Block of E. Thomas.

As the victim was driving home, she saw two subjects she only knows as Tony and Chewy. The victim stopped and talked with Tony for several minutes. The victim and Tony began to argue over money that Tony believed the victim owed him. During the argument, Tony pulled out a revolver from his waist band and demanded his money. The victim returned to her vehicle and drove off. Tony fired one shot at the victim striking her vehicle.

Children Found After Abduction From Madera Foster Care: Parents in Custody

MADERA - After an extensive investigation by the Madera Police Department, the couple that abducted their children from Child Protective Services Saturday were arrested in eastern Colorado. The children, who were with them, were located and are in good health.

Donald and Mandee Murphy abducted two of their three children, a six year old boy and a thirteen year old girl, from foster care Saturday. The parent's had their children removed from their home and placed into protective custody with CPS on September 21, 2014. The Murphy's also have an adult son, Donovan Murphy (19) who was not with them.