Fresno homicide victim identified. He was taking the trash out when shot, police say
Police on Thursday identified the victim of a deadly central Fresno shooting.
Killed shortly after arriving home Wednesday morning was 28-year-old Javonte Askew, police said Thursday. A department spokesperson previously identified the homicide victim as being 20.
Police said Askew was taking the trash out to the street on Holland Avenue east of Fresno Street in the neighborhood north of Ashlan Avenue when an unknown suspect fired at least 18 gunshots.
Police said Wednesday two separate ShotSpotter alerts notified officers of the gunfire. They said Thursday several 911 calls also reported gunfire.
Emergency responders took Askew to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about 5 a.m.
Police said Thursday the violence was gang-related.
“Our victim has a long storied past involving gang activity,” Lt. Paul Cervantes said. “So in that respect, we know it is gang-related.”
Police believe a handgun was used in the shooting.
The homicide marks the ninth so far this year, police said. At this time last year, there had been 17 homicides.
The latest violence is the sixth gang-related homicide this year, police said.
This story was originally published March 10, 2022 at 1:56 PM.
