Father of four gunned down in Mendota

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A father of four was gunned down in the Fresno County city of Mendota. The shooting happened at a popular restaurant on Seventh Street near Derrick Avenue around 6:00 in the morning.

Jose Ricardo Torres said, "I guess today was his day like they say you know -- you don't know when you're gonna die."

The 20-year-old usually opens Cecilia's Restaurant with his father. But this morning was different. 50-year-old Jose Luis Torres showed up to Cecilia's where he works as a cook and then witnesses heard gunfire.

Jose Ricardo Torres explained, "I don't know what happened he just came here to work, I don't know what happened he never had trouble or anything, he kept the peace with all the people and was a good friend to everybody."

The man whom family members say was never involved in anything illegal -- died in front of the restaurant. Detectives say three people were seen running away from restaurant.

Sgt. Joe Smith said, "We're going to canvas the area try and find more witnesses that may have seen the crime or at least heard it and go from there."

Family members say Torres is a hard working father of four who supported his family. His son says shock doesn't begin to describe the way he feels.

Jose Ricardo Torres added, "I really didn't believe it you know I thought it was a dream but I came down here and he was gone you know."

The youngest Torres says while detectives search for the men who killed his father, he'll live his life the way his dad would have wanted.

Jose Ricardo Torres explained, "He told me whenever he dies to keep your head up and live your life and that's what I'm gonna do."

So far it doesn't appear as if anything was taken or stolen which adds to the mystery of this early morning murder.