Murder victim's mother: losing her son is a reality she never thought she'd face

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The murder victim found in Strathmore on Saturday afternoon has been identified as 25-year old Brian Garza, according to Farmersville Police.

Officials say Garza was violently assaulted with a bar while asleep in the living room by his roommate Alexander Shinn at around 4 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Authorities say Garza was struck numerous times as well as kicked and strangled.

Shinn admitted to attempting to clean the scene. During that effort he took Garza's body out to an SUV and drove the body to a grove in Strathmore where a rancher discovered it that afternoon.

Investigators say Shinn returned to the home where he told the other roommates Garza had been abducted by an assailant wearing all dark clothing and a mask. Roommates contacted Farmersville Police to report Garza missing.

There had been ongoing and growing tension between Garza and Shinn over a number of issues, roommates reported.

Shinn was arrested on Sunday morning and booked into the Tulare County jail on a murder charge.

Tulare County Coroner's Office is currently investigating the exact cause of death.

Garza's family says their loved one spent time serving in the Army after graduating from Farmersville High School.

They also tell us he was expecting his first child - a baby girl --next month.

Over the phone, Garza's mother broke down, saying losing a son is a reality she never thought she would face.

"It's devastating like over and over you're not supposed to bury a child especially not to circumstance like this," she said.

Family members have started a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs and expenses to support Garza's unborn daughter.