19-year-old man shot girlfriend to death during argument in central Fresno, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man has been arrested after police say he shot his girlfriend to death in central Fresno.

The attack happened near Tyler and Bond just before 11 pm Tuesday.

Authorities say 18-year-old Zoe Salinas and 19-year-old Jose Contreras got into an argument in a car that led to the deadly shooting.

Salinas was found in the car. She was declared dead at the scene.

Police say Contreras ran to a nearby neighborhood after the shooting. He still had a gun at the time of his arrest.

Contreras will be booked into the Fresno County jail for murder. He is currently on a mental evaluation hold after authorities say he threatened to harm himself.

Investigators say Salinas and Contreras had been dating for about four years.

Both were students at Fresno Unified schools. Extra support resources have been provided for staff and students.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact Fresno police.

This is the 12th homicide in the city of Fresno for 2023.

There were twice as many for this same time last year.

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If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.