Suspect in homicide sought by Madera deputies killed in North Fork gunfight

A man sought by Madera County Sheriff’s deputies on a murder charge was killed Monday afternoon after an exchange of gunfire near North Fork, Sheriff’s spokeswoman Kayla Gates confirmed.

Brandunn Wilson, 28, had been sought since Adrian Reyes, 38, was shot and killed March 12 in North Fork.

Gates said Madera investigators located Wilson leaving a home in Friant on Monday, prompting Wilson to flee deputies at speeds up to 110 mph before abandoning his vehicle on Mammoth Pool Road, above North Fork. The Fresno County Sheriff’s helicopter was able to direct ground units to his location. After a three-hour search, deputies and Wilson exchanged fire and Wilson was slain.

The criminal investigation of the deputy-involved shooting is being conducted by the Madera Police Department, said Gates. Additionally, the case will be examined by the Madera County District Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Justice, under AB 1506. Deputies involved are being place on administrative leave.

Anyone with additional information on the case is being asked to call Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP.

This story was originally published March 27, 2023 at 5:22 PM.