Javonte Askew, a 28-year-old resident of Fresno, California, was tragically shot and killed on March 9, 2022. The incident occurred early in the morning as Askew was taking out his garbage cans outside his home on Holland Avenue, near Fresno Street. According to reports, the Fresno Police Department received a ShotSpotter notification of 18 gunshots around 4:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found Askew suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite being rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, he succumbed to his injuries. Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related, as more than 20 rounds were fired at the scene.
The investigation into Askew's death revealed that he had connections with gang activity, which led the Fresno County's Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) to get involved in the case. Detectives have been actively seeking witnesses and surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. However, as of the latest updates, no arrests have been made, and the police have not released further information about potential suspects.
In a significant development, Rafer Alston was charged with the murder of Javonte Askew. Additionally, eleven other individuals, including Savon McMillan, Ronnie Latre, Rickey Newton, Lorenzo Leavy, John McDaniel, Journi Steele, Laura Soza, Leonard Smith, and Anthony Trice, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the case. These charges indicate a broader investigation into gang-related activities and suggest that Askew's death may be part of a larger pattern of violence in the area.
The case remains under investigation, with law enforcement agencies continuing to gather evidence and pursue leads. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case and bringing those responsible to justice. The tragic death of Javonte Askew highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence in Fresno and the efforts of local authorities to combat it.
