String of deadly shootings leads to increased Fresno police patrol

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the city of Fresno grapples with a violent stretch of deadly shootings, most with suspects still at large, one northeast Fresno community center is doing its part to reassure the community.

"I cannot recall the last time there was an incident of this level, like was actually shooting where someone passed," said Stone Soup Community Center Executive Director Maygnia Her.

No violence. No crime. Just love- those are a few of the first words displayed at Stone Soup, which sits just feet away from the site of a shooting that killed two fifteen-year-olds Monday morning.

In the last five days, four people have been killed in shootings in Fresno.

In a press conference on Monday, Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto addressed the community after a weekend of violence and loss.

"I do want to assure you that preservation of life is our number one priority here at the Fresno Police Department, and it is a heavy burden when we suffer this kind of loss," Chief Casto said.

In response, investigators are increasing their efforts to find the people responsible for these senseless acts.

"We immediately are out investigating, we're out prioritizing steps to be taken to solve these murders. We meet internally to redirect resources, and we are absolutely committed to bringing justice to the families that lost loved ones," the chief added.

Her says Stone Soup has seen that approach firsthand, telling us police have been canvassing the area constantly, while also respecting the comfort of the children served there.

"We expressed to them that, hey, we are serving children. We're serving parents, and yes, we are serving a lot of the families in this neighborhood," she said.

"Once they start seeing the children arrive, they also lessen the fear by turning off their sirens and the lights and things like that."

Directors tell us the campus, secured with cameras and controlled access, has seen a drop in crime, which they attribute to teamwork with Fresno Police.

With that level of communication also comes appreciation.

"Twice a year we invite Fresno PD on our campus to meet our students, to meet our parents and parents in the program. We call it cookies with cops, and we call it popsicles with the police," Her said.

The annual events are meant to establish a transparent relationship between officers in the area and parents who are trusting them to protect their children.

No suspects have been identified in the case, and investigators are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.