Trial continues for deadly 2025 central Fresno stabbing on Halloween

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Ashton Dejean sat quietly as a second day of evidence was presented at trial in the Fresno County courthouse.

Dejean is accused of murdering 44-year-old Manuel Lopez on Halloween of 2025.

On Tuesday morning, several Fresno police officers took the stand, describing the scene.

Officers found Lopez on Griffith and Blackstone Avenues in central Fresno with several stab wounds.

Lopez was taken to the Community Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Authorities also discovered surveillance video where Lopez and Dejan are seen fighting, and the moments of the stabbing.

On Wednesday morning, a crime scene investigator took the stand.

She described the photos that she took when collecting evidence at the scene, including the murder weapon.

Police also found footage of Dejean going inside a nearby Carl's Jr. and changing clothes.

The outfit he allegedly changed out of was photographed and shown in court.

Pathologist Thomas Bennett also took the stand, explaining his background to the jury and carefully describing the injuries and multiple stab wounds that killed Lopez.

"The angle of the knife making these stab wounds changed slightly as they were being inflicted," Bennett said. "All inflicted going down, but those to the left went left and those to the right went right."

Officials say Lopez and Dejean lived at a treatment facility, but their relationship remains unclear.

Court wrapped up with the lead detective on the stand.

The trial will continue on Thursday morning.

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