Saleh Abdulfattah, a 23-year-old liquor store owner from Fresno, California, tragically lost his life on May 18, 2015, in a drive-by shooting. Abdulfattah was driving his brand new Range Rover when a dark car pulled up beside him and fired several shots. The injuries from the gunfire caused him to crash into a pole, leading to his death. The incident occurred shortly after he had left his mini mart, and the suspects involved in the shooting remain unidentified and at large.
Investigators initially did not believe the shooting was gang-related, although the area had a history of gang activity. Instead, they considered the possibility that the incident might be narcotic-related.
Abdulfattah, originally from Yemen, had been a local business owner for several years and was well-regarded in the community for his generosity and willingness to help others. Despite his positive reputation, Abdulfattah had a complicated relationship with law enforcement. The police first became acquainted with him the previous summer when a four-year-old was shot near his liquor store. Abdulfattah was uncooperative with the police during their investigation of that incident, which led to a search warrant being issued for his store. During the search, officers discovered oxycodone, ecstasy, and prescription cough syrup, resulting in Abdulfattah's arrest for misdemeanor drug possession. He was convicted but did not serve jail time for the charge.
In the days leading up to his death, Abdulfattah had been involved in a disturbance with a small group, although it remains unclear if this altercation was connected to his murder. The investigation into his death has been challenging for the police, who continue to seek information and leads to solve the case. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the suspects responsible for Abdulfattah's murder have not been apprehended, and the case remains open. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young man who was both a beloved local figure and a complex individual with a troubled past.
