Jose Rodriguez Obituary, Death; – A neighborhood conflict led Martin Avalos to appear in court on Wednesday, where he now faces murder charges.
“I will appoint a public defender to represent you, sir,” stated Fresno County Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Wilson. “We are here for your arraignment.” According to investigators, Avalos shot and killed Jose Rodriguez in Raisin City last Friday. The two men were neighbors, and Tony Botti from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office informed Action News that there was a history between them.
“It seems they had previous issues with one another,” Botti remarked. “However, nothing indicated that an incident of this nature would occur.”
Family members revealed that the victim had recently returned to live with his mother. The shooting took place outside their home near the Post Office. “She came out and exclaimed, ‘Oh, someone killed my son! Who killed my son?’” a relative recounted. Investigators worked throughout the night, interviewing multiple witnesses.
“We determined that the incident occurred in close proximity,” Botti explained. “It was indeed between neighbors. When you narrow it down to that, it raises the question of ‘Who is no longer present at this residence?’”
Deputies apprehended Avalos in Fresno on Saturday, and prosecutors are currently assembling their case, noting in the charging document that Avalos “personally and intentionally” discharged a firearm. In court, Avalos stood alongside his attorney and a Spanish interpreter, with his hands restrained.
“Your honor, I acknowledge receipt of the arraignment,” said Avalos’ public defender. “However, I request to postpone this arrangement until May 1st.” The judge approved the request for a delay, resulting in no plea being entered by Avalos. He remains in county jail with a bail set at $1.5 million. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Avalos’ family.
