Two arrested in connection with Chowchilla murder

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two people are now in jail after a Monday night murder in Chowchilla.

Police took Michael Aquino, 18, into custody hours after the stabbing. They also arrested Anthony Simon, 34, on Wednesday in connection.

The murder happened on Humboldt Avenue near 11th street. Police said the suspects are known gang members.

The reason for the stabbing is still unclear, but authorities said it seemed to have stemmed from a family issue.

"We understand that there is an adult family member of the second person arrested, and there was an issue between the victim and the adult relative," Chowchilla Lt. Jeff Palmer said.

Friends say Simon and Sykes were related. Steven Thompson says the two were arguing near the home. He said moments later, the other suspect arrived.

"Whoever this kid was, he made it his business and stabbed him for no reason," Thompson said.

Sykes was rushed to a Fresno hospital where he later died.

"I was going to come back and help him fix his bike because we were going to ride together. He always saw the good side of everything even though it didn't have one," Friend Sylvia Rivera said.

Both the suspects are being charged with murder. They were booked into the Madera County jail.