Woman stabbed to death in Fresno. Man claims self-defense as investigation continues
A woman was stabbed to death Saturday evening at an apartment complex in southeast Fresno, police said, with the apparent assailant calling in to report it.
The stabbing happened at 5:10 p.m. at the Ranchwood Condos along Lane Avenue, near Chestnut Avenue.
The woman, said to be originally from Fresno and residing in the Los Angeles area, was taken to the hospital where she died. She was identified Sunday by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Melinda Soto, 29.
A 21-year-old man called police to say he stabbed the woman inside an apartment, police Lt. Israel Reyes said. The man went on to claim self-defense, according to police. The man was detained for further questioning.
Police arrived and located the man who was covered in blood and told officers Soto was inside the apartment. Officers entered the apartment and initially couldn’t find anyone, but saw a closed bathroom door. Officers forced entry inside the bathroom and found Soto iaying on the floor with multiple stab wounds to her upper body.
Reyes said investigators believe Soto came from the Los Angeles area a week ago and was “possibly” staying with the man. Police don’t believe it is domestic violence and don’t believe they were in a relationship.
Reyes said investigators believe Soto was under the influence.
“If he’s making claims of self-defense, our detectives are going to have to determine if it was self-defense,” Reyes said. “Obviously, based on his statements, the victim’s injuries, we do know that she received several stab wounds to her upper torso. Are those going to be consistent to his statement? Maybe there is other witnesses. Detectives are canvassing the apartment complex. At this moment, we haven’t found any other witnesses but obviously to claim self-defense you are going to have to justify your actions.”
It is the 23rd homicide in Fresno in 2021.
This story was originally published March 27, 2021 at 7:32 PM.
