Pacer Dewayne Hampton, a 56-year-old resident of Fresno, California, was tragically killed on April 13, 2021. His body was discovered inside a vehicle that had crashed through an iron fence near Olive and Polk avenues. Initially, the scene appeared to be a car accident, but upon closer inspection, authorities determined that Hampton had died from gunshot wounds.
This incident marked the first homicide in Fresno County for the year 2021.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Brandon Engelman, a 40-year-old man from Coarsegold, California. Engelman, who is also known by the alias "Milkweed," has associations with local white supremacist gangs, specifically the "Fresneck" gang. Authorities believe that Engelman specifically targeted Hampton, although the exact motive remains unclear. It was revealed that Hampton and Engelman had a long-standing dispute, which may have contributed to the fatal encounter.
During the investigation, detectives traced a white Chevy Tahoe with distinctive black door handles and 22-inch rims to Engelman. This vehicle was believed to be involved in the crime. Search warrants were executed at Engelman's residence in Coarsegold and another location in Fresno that he frequented. The searches led to the recovery of the Chevy Tahoe and several weapons, although it has not been confirmed if any of these weapons were used in Hampton's murder.
Engelman was charged with murder and additional charges unrelated to Hampton's death, including kidnapping, elder abuse, and domestic violence. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case, and authorities believe that other individuals may have been involved in the crime. Despite the ongoing investigation, Engelman remains the primary suspect and has been detained in the Fresno County Jail.
The tragic death of Pacer Dewayne Hampton has left a significant impact on the Fresno community, highlighting issues related to gang violence and the presence of white supremacist groups in the area. The case continues to be closely monitored as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the circumstances surrounding Hampton's murder and bring all responsible parties to justice.
