Teen arrested after teacher shot and killed at Dinuba home, police say

DINUBA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A teenager was arrested after a teacher was shot and killed at a home in Dinuba early Monday morning.

Around 3 am, Dinuba police say they found the man, identified by family as 50-year-old Sergio Martin, dead from multiple gunshot wounds during a welfare check at the home.

During an investigation, officers said a teenager, known to be involved in gang activity, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody.

Authorities believe the shooting was a random act and there was no relation between the suspect and the victim.

Officers are still searching for at least one other person who might have been involved in the shooting.

Martin's family says he was full of positivity, loved music, his friends and family, and was a passionate Spanish teacher at El Monte Middle School in Orosi.

"I'm gonna miss him so much. Someday we'll meet up again, it's just he's gone too soon," expressed Wendy Gonzales, Martin's cousin.

Gonzales tells Action News that Martin didn't do anything to deserve this.

The family hopes to remember him for his positive attitude and love for people.

"He always saw the good in whatever people were doing. There was nothing that you could say to make him have a bad day. Every day he was gonna wake up and say 'today is gonna be a good day," said Gonzales.

Gonzales grew up with Sergio. She says the family is still in shock that something so horrific could happen to her cousin.

"I can't believe he's not gonna be here for the holidays. We're gonna miss him so much. But it's something we'll never get used to," explained Gonzales.

In a Facebook post, the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District announced Martin's passing to the school's community, writing:

"It is with a heavy heart we inform you that we learned this morning that Mr. Martin, our Spanish Teacher of many years has passed. We are supporting students and staff with counseling to help them process this information. Please let us know if we can support you in helping your student with this information.

Police are still working to piece together what happened leading up to the shooting.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the Dinuba Police Department at (559) 591-5911.

You can also remain anonymous by calling (559) 591-TIP1 (8471).

Stay with Action News for the latest updates on this developing story.

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