An autopsy has been performed on 59 year old Esteban Martinez, the homeless man shot and killed by a Huron Police officer.
The cause of death is pending the results of toxicology tests. Detectives need the public to help them find family members of the suspect, Esteban Martinez, so they can have a chance at giving him a proper burial.
Shortly after 9:00 pm on May 19th, Huron Police officers were dispatched to check on a screaming woman who was at a gas station located at the corner of Myrtle and Lassen Avenues in Huron. Two officers arrived and found two men fighting in the parking lot. The officers put their attention toward separating the men. One officer was able to get one of the men to comply. However, the other officer, dealing with the other man who was armed with a deadly weapon, was met with resistance. The officer shot the man and he was declared deceased at the scene.
Huron Police made a request to have the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conduct an investigation into the officer involved shooting (OIS). Homicide detectives and members of the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene. They collected evidence and interviewed witnesses.
The two men who got into a fight did know each other. The reason for their fight remains under investigation. Detectives are working to schedule interviews with the officers involved in the incident.
Anyone with additional information on the case may contact Detective Jose Diaz at (559) 600-8204. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
