Man shot and killed at McNally Park in Madera

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Madera police continue to investigate a late night homicide at a local park. The family park, which is often filled with neighbors and children, was the scene of tragedy Monday night after a man was shot in his car. Madera police are now searching for the suspects that shot 28-year-old Jose Pacheco Ordaz and they are asking witnesses for help.

"We don't know if there was a prior altercation to this. We don't know if the victim knew the suspect in this case," said Johnnie Smith, Madera Police Detective Sgt.

Police said they were called to McNally park around 9:00 p.m. Ordaz was pronounced dead at the scene. Several witnesses we spoke to said they were at the park around the time of the shooting, saying the park was full of residents including children.

"Usually, shootings don't occur in areas that are populated such as a park-- so this is a little unusual," said Smith.

One witness said she did not want to be identified for fear of her safety, but said she was walking by the park to the store when it happened. She said the shooting happened just minutes after the victim's car pulled up and said she wanted to call for help, but nobody would let her borrow a phone. Police said the victim's family was notified hours after the shooting.

"It was unexpected. It's a tragic ordeal for everybody involved, especially the family. I believe this man had at least two children," said Smith.

Police said they have several detectives on this case that are hoping more witnesses come forward with the answers to their many questions.