EXCLUSIVE: Widow of man killed by Fresno Police shares her story of survival

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Before police cars and crime scene tape filled this Northwest Fresno neighborhood, Gisela Gonzalez Merical said it had started as a normal Saturday.

She was home at the West Pointe apartments with her baby girl and her husband, Joseph. But then she explains he became violent.

"We were in a domestic dispute, and my husband is strangling me. I passed out unconscious, and you know, there were threats to me and the baby," said Gisela.

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She shares it wasn't the first time Joseph had physically abused her. And she sadly knew what to do when his hands wrapped around her neck.

"When you're being strangled, you don't fight back. The more you fight back, the more you panic and you gasp, and you're grasping for air. It's such a scary feeling in a way to die that you're like, 'These are my last moments.' and you're just grasping for oxygen," said Gisela.

When Gisela regained consciousness, she grabbed her baby and ran outside. No shoes, no phone, no way to escape the area.

So, she rushed to the apartment leasing office and called 911. She said police arrived quickly.

"They made sure I was protected. They made sure the neighbors were protected, and I'm so thankful for everything," said Gisela.

Officers made contact with Joseph inside the couple's apartment and say he swung two knives at them.

They moved back outside and tried negotiating for a safe surrender, but after several hours, the day took another violent turn.

"He charged down the stairs from the second-story apartment towards officers, armed with two knives, at which time they used less lethal ammunition. That was not successful, and lethal force was used," said Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto.

Joseph later died at the hospital.

"There's a panic that people just don't understand. They're making cruel comments that he deserved it, he was stupid. It was stupid; it was a man who was desperate. It was a cry for help. He has nothing to lose," said Gisela.

Gisela said Joseph is a former Correctional Sergeant, most recently at the Central California Women's Prison in Chowchilla.

Court records reveal he was convicted of domestic-related charges in 2023. Gisela explains that those charges stem from a previous relationship.

While serving time, Gisela said her husband was an incarcerated firefighter. He had hoped to expunge his record so he could pursue a career in firefighting.

"He made bad choices. He also paid for his time. He took accountability for his actions, and he was seeking help," said Gisela.

Gisela said Joseph suffered from severe depression and alcoholism. He was in court-appointed domestic violence classes along with drug and alcohol related classes.

Now, his widow is left with overwhelming emotions over the way he lived - and died.

"He knew better not to put his hands on me, and I'm angry at him for that. I'm also grieving for my life partner. This is my husband. This is my protector. He was my everything," said Gisela

Gisela has set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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