2 arrested, 1 sought in murder of Valley farmer
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno County Sheriff's deputies say an innocent farmer who was trying to protect his property was gunned down by gang members on Thursday. Now they need your help to find the last suspect who is still on the run.
Deputies say George Salwasser Jr., 38, interrupted the thieves who were stripping a stolen truck on his Kerman property. Investigators say the murder happened after a brief confrontation.
The victim was calling 911 when he pulled up to the property, according to investigators. He did not know the suspects, who deputies say murdered him in cold blood and tried to get away.
Friday morning, deputies continued to search several miles of mostly Ag land, looking for evidence and the weapon used in what homicide detectives say was a ruthless murder. The sheriff says the thieves were hard at work when Salwasser drove up and saw them stripping a pickup that was stolen in Fresno earlier in the day.
"What we believe happened is they were attempting to take the wheels off of the pickup when the victim arrived," said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.
David Hernandez knew something wasn't right when his dogs wouldn't stop barking. He went out to investigate and found Maria Mansanalez, 24, and Adrian Aceves, 23, running through his vineyard. So he questioned them.
"So I followed them along my fence, and I yelled to them again, 'what are you guys doing?' And they wouldn't respond," said Hernandez. "So I got up high where I can see and I saw them continue down my vineyard towards the neighbor, and then I couldn't see them anymore."
The two were later arrested after trying to hide. But deputies say Fabian Mansanalez, 25, got away. He is Maria's brother, and according to court records, has a long criminal history that includes car theft, and possession of stolen property.
The victim's family is well-known in Kerman and has been farming for several generations. Friday morning, the sheriff met with Salwasser's wife and parents.
"They are understandably devastated. They described the victim to me as a hard-working man who loved his family dearly and always tried to do the right thing," said Mims.
A $2,000 reward is being offered for any tips that lead to the arrest of Fabian Mansanalez. Investigators say he should be considered armed and dangerous is known to hang out in Calwa.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fresno County Sheriff's Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
