Detectives investigate separate homicides; both occured in central Fresno

Two overnight homicides in central Fresno, both committed with firearms, are under investigation by Fresno police.

The shootings, one Thursday night and the second early Friday, took place withing blocks of one another. One involved a homeless man, according to Sgt. Jeff La Blue. The homicides bring the number in the city in 2020 to seven.

The first took place about 7 p.m. near North Palm and East Andrews avenues, where Jared Cunningham, 30, was found by officers suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Officers attempted CPR before Cunningham was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, were he died.

La Blue said the shooting took place after physical altercation between Cunningham and another man in the 400 block of East Andrews. The gunman was not the man initially involved in the fight and several other people were also present. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

About 1:30 a.m. Friday, the department’s gunfire detection system alerted officers to two gunshots near North Thorne Avenue and East Saginaw Way.

Arriving officers found Ruben Sanchez, 47, with gunshot wounds to the upper body. La Blue said that he also was given aid by officers and died at CRMC.

Detectives reported a verbal disturbance between Sanchez and a male suspect ended with the shooting. Sanchez is not believed to have been involved in any criminal activity at the time of the slaying.

Detectives also asked for help in solving the second shooting, and said anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867.

This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 11:53 AM.