Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested 48 year old Kelly Earl Cox of Fresno.
He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on felony charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and animal cruelty. He also had an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor charge of drunk in public. His bail is set at $527,575.
Just before 9:30 pm on Saturday, August 25th, a group of people were setting up their space at Lost Lake Campground when their Doberman Pinscher dog got into a fight with a Pit Bull dog that had roamed into their area. The owner of the Pit Bull, Kelly Cox, yelled at the group to get their dog. Cox then quickly pulled out a knife and stabbed the Doberman. As the owner of the Doberman went to save his dog, Cox picked up the Doberman, sliced it open and threw it to the ground, killing the dog. The owner of the Doberman exchanged words and then Cox went after him with the knife. The man’s father intervened and tried to settle things down. Cox used his knife to stab the 42 year old man several times in the back. As the man’s 35 year old nephew tried to help him, Cox stabbed him as well. Cox and the other men in his group got into a vehicle and drove away. A family member of the victims dialed 911 for help.
Sheriff’s deputies and EMS personnel responded to the campground. Both men were transported to local hospitals and treated for their injuries. Doctors expect both to recover as their wounds were not life-threatening.
Deputies spoke with witnesses and got a good description of the men and the vehicle they fled in. The sheriff’s airplane, EAGLE 3, flew to the area and spotted a vehicle matching the one belonging to the suspect. Around 9:45 pm, deputies made a traffic stop on it as it passed Millerton Lake. Deputies detained the men and were able to identify Cox as the one responsible for the stabbings.
Anyone with additional information on this case is asked to contact Sheriff’s Detective Gary Haslam at (559) 600-8209. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
