On June 9, 2017, 14-year-old Diego Perez tragically lost his life in Huron, California. The incident occurred at the Porvenir Estates Apartments on Tornado Avenue around 9:40 p.m. Diego was with his girlfriend when shots rang out. According to witnesses, Diego selflessly pushed his girlfriend to the ground to protect her and then ran, but he was fatally shot and collapsed on the street.
Despite efforts to save him, Diego died at the scene.
The investigation quickly identified a 13-year-old boy as the primary suspect. The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was arrested the following day. Authorities have not yet determined if the shooting was gang-related, but it was noted that Diego and the suspect had a recent altercation at school, which may have contributed to the tragic event. Diego's mother, Tricia Sease, mentioned that her son had been fearful for his life following the fight.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office has been handling the investigation, and they have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. The community has been deeply affected by Diego's death, with friends and family remembering him as a promising basketball player and a selfless individual who always put others first. A small memorial with roses, candles, and Diego's favorite sports drink has been set up at the site where he lost his life.
The suspect is currently being held in juvenile custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to establish a clear motive and determine how the suspect obtained the firearm used in the shooting. This tragic event has highlighted the devastating impact of youth violence and the urgent need for community support and intervention to prevent such incidents in the future.
