Charles Von Wolfgang Black, 31, was fatally shot on December 27, 2023, at about 7:48 p.m. near the intersection of Whitley Avenue and Josephine Avenue in Corcoran, California. Corcoran police found him in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A memorial at Whitley and Josephine now marks the spot.

Months after the killing, a multi-agency initiative called Operation Royal Flush, aimed at gang-related activity in the South Valley, produced a major roundup of 77 people. Three suspects from that operation were charged with murder, firearm offenses, and gang enhancements in connection with Black’s death; two were already jailed on unrelated charges and a third was on parole. The family raised funds for funeral and cremation costs through a GoFundMe that drew community support.

Anyone with information about the shooting or the people involved is asked to come forward.