Man shot and killed in southwest Fresno identified

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police have identified the man who was shot and killed in southwest Fresno.

A group of friends went bar hopping Thursday evening before heading to a party at an apartment complex off of South Plumas and East Lorena Avenue.

That's where the spirited get-together came to a tragic end.

"They were several couples that were out having a good time in the evening. They had gone to several bars across the city and decided to continue their socialization at one of the apartments of one of the couples," says Chief Mindy Casto, Fresno Police Department.

As the party went into the early morning hours, a fight escalated between 27-year-old Julian Garcia and an unknown suspect.

"He had had an earlier argument with one of the males in the group at the bar. When they were at the complex, the argument appeared to resume," says Chief Casto.

Police say at about 2 a.m. Garcia threw the first punch, but instead of his fists, the suspect pulled out a gun and fired.

27-year-old Garcia was rushed to the hospital, where he died.

What's left of the party was scattered in the parking lot. The complex is filled with families who woke up to a crime scene.

"It was scary when I saw that they were washing. I thought it was a shooting," says Maricella, a neighbor, "I shouldn't be like that, it's a life, they were so young."

It's unclear what led to the fight, but police say the two knew each other. The gunman is now on the run.

"Suspect left the location in a red vehicle with his girlfriend. He's a Hispanic male in his 30s," says Chief Casto.

The investigation is now underway as police search for surveillance footage and evidence from the scene.

This did happen in a populated area, so police are asking anyone with any information to come forward and contact their department.

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