Family identifies man who died protecting Southeast Fresno store from robbers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police say they have caught two suspects who may have been involved in the murder of 22-year-old Christopher Leon.

Leon was shot and killed Saturday night while trying to fight off robbers at his mother's business in southeast Fresno near Kings Canyon and Recreation Avenues.

ORIGINAL STORY: Man killed while fighting off robbery suspects in Southeast Fresno

The family did not want to talk on camera, but his mom says she saw her son get shot right in front of her and now his grieving family is hoping the police catch his killer.

There wasn't one parking spot left Sunday afternoon as family and friends showed up to the scene where police say Leon was shot and killed while trying to fight off suspects attempting to rob his mother's store - a well-known business in southeast Fresno, the Stereo and DJ Outlet and Mari's Jewelry.

"I really see him as a hero for trying to protect his family's business," family friend Tina Phla said.

Police say just a little after 7 p.m. Saturday night, the suspects went into the store and tried to run off with jewelry. That's when Leon tried to run after them along with other employees.

"They chase them outside, they get into a physical fight outside of the store and that's when one of them uses and handgun and shoots one of the victims," Lt. Jerardo Chamalbide with the Fresno Police Department said.

Police say Leon was transported to the hospital and later died from his injuries.

Police say they've arrested two juvenile suspects who may have had involvement but are still following leads to find the outstanding suspects.