Stacy Janeth Zurita, a 21-year-old resident of Fresno, California, tragically lost her life on July 8, 2022. The incident occurred during a drive-by shooting at a residence on E. Iowa Avenue in central Fresno. Stacy was with her boyfriend, Raul Jose Roberto Nunez, when the shooting took place. Both were found with gunshot wounds and were transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed
from a family feud between the Zurita and Nunez families. On the night of the incident, a fight broke out between the two families, leading to the fatal shooting. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle leave the scene and return shortly after, with shots being fired from inside the car. The Fresno Police Department quickly identified the suspects as Gerardo Zurita, 40, and his son, Leobardo Zurita, 19. Gerardo was driving the vehicle while Leobardo fired the shots. Tragically, Leobardo's sister, Stacy, was unintentionally struck during the shooting.
Both Gerardo and Leobardo Zurita were arrested on July 12, 2022, and charged with two counts of murder. They were booked into the Fresno County Jail. During the investigation, it was discovered that both suspects had attempted to alter their appearances to avoid detection, with Gerardo shaving his head and Leobardo cutting his ponytail and shaving his facial hair. Despite their efforts, they were apprehended and taken into custody.
In court, both Gerardo and Leobardo pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case has garnered significant attention due to the familial relationships involved and the tragic loss of life. The defense attorney for Leobardo indicated that his client could face the death penalty if convicted, given the circumstances of the drive-by shooting and the multiple murders. The preliminary hearing for the case was scheduled for September 29, 2022.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and testimonies. The Fresno Police Department has urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the case. The tragic deaths of Stacy Zurita and Raul Jose Roberto Nunez have left their families and the community in mourning, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence and familial conflicts.
