On July 16, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., 46-year-old Silvano Villa-Fierro was fatally shot inside an apartment near Clinton and Weber Avenues in Fresno, California. Responding officers from the Fresno Police Department found Villa-Fierro suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators identified 28-year-old Kelon White as the primary suspect in the shooting.
According to police reports, Villa-Fierro and White were involved in a physical altercation inside the apartment, which escalated when White allegedly produced a firearm and shot Villa-Fierro. Following the incident, White fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement.
On July 20, 2023, White surrendered himself at the Fresno County Jail. He was interviewed by homicide detectives and subsequently booked on charges of murder and multiple weapons-related offenses.
In August 2023, White pleaded not guilty to the charges during a court appearance. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the Fresno County District Attorney's Office pursuing the case.
Villa-Fierro's death marked the 20th homicide in Fresno for the year 2023. Community members have expressed concerns over the incident, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address violence in the area. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000.
