Fresno City College athlete gunned down in Northwest Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno police are searching for the person who shot a star athlete to death. The fatal shooting happened on Charles Avenue, near Shaw and Valentines avenues, in Northwest Fresno.

Deondre Howard, 21, died early Saturday morning. Police said his 16-year-old brother was also injured.

A senseless shooting is the end of a bright future for one star athlete. Howard would've been a starting outfielder for Fresno City baseball this year.

"It's a huge loss for all of Fresno City baseball and football, and he'll be missed for sure," said sophomore Christian Rossi.

Police said Howard was found shot next to his injured brother early Saturday morning. Hours later, police said Howard died at the hospital. The suspect is still on the run.

"The brothers were outside, they were talking to a female, and an African-American male approached him on foot and started shooting toward their direction," said Det. Mark Salazar of the Fresno Police Department.

Teammates said the all-around athlete was gifted on the baseball and football field. Howard stole the spotlight at Edison High School. He did the same at Fresno City College. Coaches said he was a key player for the Rams.

"It was important that we got together today. Our players were pretty much devastated, especially the guys that played with him last year," said coach Tony Caviglia of the Fresno City football team.

Baseball coach Ron Scott said Howard had plans to focus on the baseball diamond this year. But his dreams to make it to a Division I school never became a reality.

"I don't think I can put it in words how much this will affect our baseball team and our program," said Scott.

As teammates and coaches mourn the loss, police said they're still trying to figure out a motive for the deadly shooting.

There was a vigil held Sunday evening at the Edison High School practice field.