Man punched in fight over cash dies 3 days later, Clovis police say. Other man in custody
A Clovis man was in custody on Wednesday after he punched another man in a disagreement over money three days before the victim died, according to Clovis police.
A man later identified by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office as John Chandler, 52, was found unresponsive on Aug. 27 inside Bicentennial Park at Sunnyside and Sierra avenues, according to police.
Chandler was taken to an area hospital with injuries to his head and face. He died on Aug. 30, police said.
Investigators tracked down 29-year-old Adrian Mondragon on Aug. 29, and said they determined the two men had a disagreement over $40 before Mondragon allegedly punched Chandler, police said. They were both described as homeless by Clovis police.
Chandler’s sister told The Bee he was not homeless, had grown up in Clovis, left and came back about five years ago. He lived in a home with family not far from the park, she said.
Mondragon was booked into Fresno County Jail on Thursday on suspicion of battery causing serious bodily injury, according to jail records. His bail was set at $25,000.
Chandler died the following day.
Mondragon could face greater charges, but that decision would be left to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, police spokesperson Ty Wood said Wednesday.
This story was originally published September 4, 2024 at 4:50 PM.
