On June 13, 2020, Rafael Garcia, aged 42, and his 16-year-old son, Jonathan Garcia, were tragically killed in their home in Fowler, California. The incident occurred around 5:00 PM when Fowler Police received a report of gunshots at a residence on the 200 block of N. 5th Street. Upon arrival, officers found both Rafael and Jonathan suffering from gunshot wounds, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Carlos “Charles” Cruz from Parlier, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police pursuit ended in a crash with a train.
The investigation revealed that Cruz had gone to the Garcia home where his estranged wife, who was Rafael's daughter, was visiting. A disturbance broke out after several hours, leading Cruz to shoot and kill Rafael and Jonathan. Cruz then fled the scene, prompting a police chase that ended when his vehicle collided with a train. An autopsy confirmed that Cruz died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a handgun was recovered at the crash site.
Cruz had a history of domestic violence. He was arrested on May 15, 2020, for domestic violence and three other charges, but was released on bail the same day. This incident has left the Fowler community in mourning, with a candlelight vigil held to honor the memories of Rafael and Jonathan. The investigation into the case remains ongoing as detectives await the results of ballistics and toxicology tests.
