Jose DeJesus Fuentes-Martinez, 52, was found shot to death along a canal bank off Jerrold Avenue, north of Nees Avenue in Firebaugh, California. His body was discovered after two witnesses reported a shooting to the Mendota Police around 1:30 am on May 30, 2015. Deputies from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatal gunshot wounds at the scene; the killing was recorded as the fourth homicide in Fresno County that year.

Investigators arrested 37-year-old Juan Ortiz of San Joaquin after deputies in Mendota spotted him walking near Oller and 9th streets carrying a firearm. Ortiz was detained, interviewed, and booked on charges of murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was on Post-Release Community Supervision at the time.

Detectives continue to seek additional witnesses and are working to establish a motive. If anyone has information about that night or the people involved, please come forward to assist the investigation.