Man, 61, killed in gang-related shooting in Southeast Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Neighbors are sharing their sorrow over the murder of a 61-year-old Fresno man, saying he was an innocent bystander during a gang shootout. The deadly shooting happened Friday night near Butler and Chestnut avenues in Southeast Fresno.

Emergency lights lit up the night sky after the gang-related shooting left one man dead and another injured. Flowers sat Saturday where a shooting victim took his last breath.

"He said he didn't have anybody; he didn't have anyone, and I took it upon myself to go get flowers for him," said Marilyn Berry, a witness.

Berry was sitting on her porch when she heard dozens of gunshots then saw the victim's body lying in the street. Fresno police haven't identified the 61-year-old victim, but Berry believes he was an innocent bystander who got caught in the crossfire.

"It's sad to see him by himself, no family. I feel real sad for that, real sad that it had to happen to an innocent man," said Berry.

The vast crime scene stretched from a Southeast Fresno apartment complex all the way to a liquor store on the other side of the block. Another shooting victim was found there by police and was arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant. Police say the different rival gangs could face off again, so they're working tirelessly to find the suspects involved.

"Anytime we have a gang murder, we fear retaliation as far as innocent victims getting struck, so we put even extra resources on that," said Lt. Mark Salazar of the Fresno Police Department.

For now, many neighbors at the Ranchwoods apartment complex say they're anxiously hoping for a quiet and peaceful weekend.

Police say the only information they have regarding the suspects is that they drove away in a red Mustang.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000. There is a $2,000 reward being offered in this case.