Suspect confessed to Tower District street vendor killing, Fresno police chief says

Fresno police have a man in custody in connection with the slaying of a Tower District street vendor.

Police arrested 18-year-old Jacob Rangel of Fresno. He was arrested Tuesday night at a relative’s home in North Fork.

Vendor Jose Rivera, 53, was shot to death Nov. 20 near the intersection of North Farris and East Olive avenues while pedaling his cart.

Chief Andy Hall at a news conference Wednesday afternoon said authorities served four search warrants at homes Tuesday, and a gun and vehicle believed to be used in the homicide were recovered at one of the homes.

Rangel was booked into Fresno County jail.

Hall said the suspect confessed to the slaying to homicide detectives.

Although it is at least the third assault involving a street vendor since April, Hall could not recall any such incidents turning deadly in his 41 years with the department.

“It’s the first one I’ve had as chief of police; first one that I can recall working with the department. This is a unusual case and very disturbing. Our staff were disturbed.

“Mr. Rivera had no known conflicts, problems with the neighborhood, and was loved by the community. This is truly a tragedy for the family and having to go into the holiday season is going to be difficult. They are in our prayers.”

Rangel told detectives he was upset that he didn’t have enough money to buy items from Rivera and got only a partial purchase, Hall said.

Rangel had no criminal history, Hall said. He added Rangel’s family have been cooperative.

“Jose Rivera, who is a father and grandfather, was a good man,” Hall said. “He was loved by his community. This senseless loss of life should have never happened.”

The slaying sparked an outrage by the community and resulted in thousands of dollars being raised for his family.

This story was originally published December 2, 2020 at 12:05 PM.