On the night of July 19, 2023, 69-year-old James Buford of Sanger was found injured near Winton Park in Fresno County. A utility worker discovered him around 10:30 p.m. near Piedra and Elwood Roads; he was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and later died of his injuries. Buford worked as a camp host at Winton Park, responsible for on-site security and maintenance, a role that made his death particularly shocking to the local park community.

Investigators initially had no suspects or known motive and asked the public for help. Court testimony later said that an altercation occurred that night after 40-year-old Michael Brandon Kent and his ex-girlfriend Katie, who was Buford’s niece, visited the park; testimony attributed the fatal shot to Kent. Kent was arrested in Camden County, Missouri, extradited to Fresno County, and in February 2024 was convicted of second-degree murder. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2024.

Did anyone in the area see activity near Piedra and Elwood Roads that night or know more about relationships around Winton Park?