Fresno County Sheriff’s homicide detectives have arrested 37-year-old Juan Ortiz of San Joaquin.
He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on one count of murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ortiz is currently under Post-Release Community Supervision, which is part of AB109.
The Sheriff - Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 52-year-old Jose DeJesus Fuentes-Martinez of Dos Palos.
Around 1:30 am Saturday, two people contacted Mendota Police and claimed to have witnessed a shooting. The witnesses said it took place along a canal bank off Jerrold Ave., north of Nees Ave. in Firebaugh. Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to this county location. While searching the area, deputies found Fuentes-Martinez shot to death. Deputies later obtained information that the potential suspect, Juan Ortiz, was seen walking in the area of Oller and 9th streets in the city of Mendota. Deputies contacted Ortiz and found him to be carrying a gun. He was detained, interviewed and then arrested.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Detectives continue to try and contact witnesses and establish a motive for the killing.
This was the fourth homicide of the year in Fresno County. Year to date, there have been five homicides in Fresno County.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Jose Diaz (559) 600-8206, Detective Jeff Stricker (559) 600-8205 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).
