Members of the Fresno County Crime Scene Unit have identified a man and woman who were recently murdered. They are Christina Echeverria, 34, of Mendota and Angel Sanchez, 24, of Mendota.
Around 2:00 am on Sunday, Mendota Police officers checked the streets around the police department (9th St. & Airport Blvd.) after gunshots were reportedly heard in the area. However, officers were unable to find evidence of anyone or anything being shot. At 5:00 am, officers received a report of two people (Echeverria and Sanchez) suffering from gunshot wounds. A person walking near the railroad tracks at 9th and Marie St. found the two victims lying on the ground with their injuries. This is a dark, secluded area, which officers had not checked earlier in the morning. After determining this to be a homicide case, Mendota Police requested that the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.
Sheriff’s detectives have determined that Echeverria and Sanchez, who were friends, were shot while walking back toward her home. The two had just made a stop at the Fastrip Food Store located at 9th and Oller St. The motive for their murders is unknown at this time. The victims do not appear to have any ties to criminal street gangs.
These killings mark the second and third homicides in the city of Mendota for 2016.
Detectives encourage the public to report any people or vehicles who may have been involved in these shootings. If anyone has any information on this case, please call Fresno County Sheriff’s Detective Jose Mora at (559) 600-8205 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867). All tips will remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
