One dead, one injured as Fresno house party turns violent

A 21-year-old man is dead and a 15-year-old is injured after a southeast Fresno house party turned violent.

Lt. Mark Salazar said a couple phone calls came in just after 3 a.m. Sunday, one about shots fired at a party on the 4700 block of East Florence Avenue, then a few minutes later another about a 15-year-old male shot once in the hip.

The 15-year-old was dropped off at the hospital by fellow party-goers, underwent surgery and is expected to recover. Officers talked to those in the car and found a handgun inside. Police are not sure whether that gun is connected to the shootings.

Emergency Medical Service personnel discovered the 21-year-old with several gunshot wounds at the party. They transported him to Community Regional Medical Center but detectives believe he died at the scene, Salazar said.

Neither victim has any criminal history or known gang affiliation, Salazar said. This marks the 22nd murder of the year, compared to 24 last year at this time.

Salazar said the party was put on by a party crew service that charges people for entrance and pays the residents of the home a percentage of the profits. He said there was some disturbance before the shots were fired.

Officers collected more than 150 beer bottles and cans. More than 80 people attended, but only 20 or so were present by the time police arrived. Several people told officers gang members were present.

Six investigators have talked to more than 20 people and are trying to get to the other 60 who attended. Salazar said no suspects have been identified yet.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call detective Leonard Cabrera at (559) 621-2451 or leave anonymous tips with Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

This story was originally published June 14, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "One dead, one injured as Fresno house party turns violent."