13-year-old arrested for murder of teenager in Huron

Sunday, June 11, 2017
13-year-old arrested for murder of teenager in Huron
Friends identified the victim as 14-year-old Diego Perez. They say he was at the apartment complex with his girlfriend when shots rang out.

HURON, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 13-year-old boy is the primary suspect in a murder of another teenager in Fresno County, according to the sheriff's office.

The shooting happened at the Porvenir Estates Apartments on Tornado Avenue in Huron around 9:40 p.m. Friday. Authorities said they found a 14-year-old boy, identified by family as Diego Perez, had been shot, and he died at the scene.

A small memorial is growing at the corner where Diego lost his life. Friends say he died the way he lived - selflessly and pushing others out of harm's way.

"They pointed the gun at my son's girlfriend," his mom Tricia Sease said. "My son threw her to the floor and took off running said 'I love you.'"

Investigators identified the 13-year-old as the suspect, and he was arrested in Huron on Saturday. The suspect's name has not been released because he is a minor.

Deputies say it's too early to tell if the shooting is gang-related, but Tricia says the suspect and her son knew each other. The two recently got into a fight at school and her son was fearful of his life.

"We need help," she said. "I have a lot of kids who are going to miss their brother, I don't know what to do."

The original story| Authorities investigating shooting that leaves 14-year-old boy dead

"It's very unusual to have this level of violence at that young of an age," Lt. Mark Padilla with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said. "It's unfortunate, it really is a tragic event to have a 14-year-old who lost his life last night."

Next to the roses and the candles Saturday night, friends also placed Diego's favorite sports drink and they're remembering the teenager not only as a promising basketball player but someone who had been looking forward to accomplishing more in high school.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Office at (559) 600-8206.