Man killed after confronting suspected marijuana growers on Madera County property, authorities say

OAKHURST, Calif. (KFSN) -- An Oakhurst man was fatally shot Monday night outside his home, after getting into an altercation with a group of men over an illegal pot growing operation on his rural property in Madera County.

"When deputies arrived on scene they found a 47-year-old subject with a gunshot wound, they performed life saving measures-- he was pronounced deceased on scene," said Lt. Zack Zamudio, Madera County Sheriff.

Investigators are now looking for three men after witnesses said they fled the scene in a dark color minivan.

"Suspects were described as three Hispanic males seen leaving the area in an older model minivan, dark green, dark blue in color with tinted windows," said Zamudio.

Investigators removed about 200 pot plants that were growing on a 10 acre piece of land.

According to authorities, Timothy Fadgen, who owned the property on the 52000 block of road 423, was murdered in front of his home just as the sun was setting. The big question is-- did the victim and suspects know each other?

"We are trying to determine if the three suspects related in this case are familiar to the victim," said Zamudio.

Neighbors we spoke to said it was scary to learn someone's life was taken in this otherwise quiet community

"Everybody here is really nice, we all know each other, it's a quiet neighborhood, we're always watching out-- it's a real shock, a real shock," said neighbor Ron Jewett.

Investigators tell us the Fadgen was known to law enforcement and said he had a history of drug related crimes.