Man shot to death at northwest Fresno apartment complex, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An argument turned deadly in northwest Fresno Monday morning.

Fresno Police detectives are now trying to track down the person who shot and killed a man.

Just after 10 a.m., officers responded to the Palm Mission Estates on Palm Avenue near Escalon Avenue for reports of a physical disturbance.

When officers arrived, they found a man in his late 30s with gunshot wounds.

Medical aid was provided but the man did not survive.

Neighbors looked on as crime scene tape was put up and homicide detectives responded.

Investigators say they believe there were five to six people inside at the time of the shooting.

"There appears to be some type of argument that occurred between a group of individuals inside of this apartment complex," said Fresno Police Department Lt. Paul Cervantes.

Officials wouldn't disclose what the argument was about but say they believe the victim was just visiting the apartment and did not live there.

They're now trying to track down those who were inside because some of them took off on foot and one person left in a car after the shooting.

"It is our belief that there was, at least, a minimum of four people we need to talk to," said Lt. Cervantes.

Authorities say one of the witnesses to the shooting was the apartment owner.

He was not injured in the shooting but was taken to the hospital for an unrelated medical condition.

He is cooperating with investigators.

Detectives are now reviewing surveillance footage and taking witness statements to try to track down the people involved.

Officials say this type of crime is uncommon at this location.

"This is a relatively quiet apartment complex, not very many calls for service, so this would be something out of the normal for this particular apartment complex," Lt. Cervantes said.

This is the 16th murder in the city of Fresno so far this year.

At this time last year, there were 26.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about what led up to the shooting to Fresno Police.