On March 14, 2024, at approximately 10:54 p.m., Fresno Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting at 1475 East Bulldog Lane, near Fresno State University. Upon arrival, they discovered 31-year-old Joel Rueda lying in the courtyard, suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. Despite immediate CPR efforts by the officers, Rueda was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that Rueda had been shot inside a nearby apartment before collapsing in the courtyard. The occupants of the apartment were interviewed by homicide detectives, and while they were cooperative, no immediate arrests were made. Notably, Rueda had an extensive criminal history and was known to have gang affiliations, factors that detectives considered during their investigation.
Through diligent investigative work, the Fresno Police Department's Homicide Unit identified 26-year-old Raymond Rodriguez as the primary suspect in Rueda's murder. On March 22, 2024, members of the Street Violence Tactical Team apprehended Rodriguez in a residential area near Ferger and McKinley Avenues. At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez was in possession of a loaded Glock handgun equipped with an extended 30-round magazine. He was subsequently booked into Fresno County Jail on charges of murder and probation violation.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Fresno Police Department Homicide Detectives Ryan Rockwell at (559) 621-2448 or Mark Yee at (559) 621-2407. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).
