Fresno detectives looking for killer of single father of 3

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno police have half a dozen detectives trying to find out who is responsible for the shooting death of a 53-year-old single father of three late last week.

Cledale Graham got along with just about all of his neighbors at Garland Gardens apartments in Central Fresno. He was known to buy them food, diapers, or fix their broken things.

"They loved him like family," said Lisa Martin, an ex-girlfriend of Graham. "Yeah, he's got a lot of people that love him. He's going to be deeply missed."

But police say Graham has had problems with his neighbors next door. He got into an argument with them on Friday morning, and shortly after, two males in their late teens or early 20s showed up and began a verbal and physical fight with Graham.

"One witness said that our victim, Mr. Graham, was actually getting the better of the two during that fight, and at that point one of the males pulled out a handgun and shot Mr. Graham several times," said Fresno Police Lt. Mark Salazar.

"[It's] shocking for someone to do that to an innocent person," Martin said.

Martin dated Graham for six years, and says her and Dale, as he was called, stayed friends up until his death.

"He was a good guy," said Martin. "Loving, caring, giving, and a good father too."

Lt. Salazar says half a dozen detectives are working around the clock, knocking on doors and trying to win over witnesses that may be fearful of speaking out.

"These detectives have not slept much since that incident occurred last Friday and they'll continue to work it hard," Salazar said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by friends and family for Graham.