On October 23, 2024, at approximately 1:15 p.m., 23-year-old Cruz David Avalos was fatally shot while driving near the intersection of 10th Avenue and Lacey Boulevard in Hanford, California. Avalos, an auto body paint prepper and detailer at Borba's Auto Body Inc., was returning to work after his lunch break when a black Nissan Versa pulled alongside his vehicle. A passenger in the Versa fired multiple shots, striking Avalos.
Despite being transported to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Hanford Police Department swiftly initiated an investigation, identifying 19-year-old Roman Perdue as the suspected shooter and 19-year-old Jordan Sanchez as the driver of the Nissan Versa. Perdue was initially arrested on October 28, but was released when charges were not immediately filed by the Kings County District Attorney's Office. Continued investigative efforts led to the issuance of arrest warrants for both suspects. Sanchez was apprehended in Southern California on November 13, while Perdue was located near Tempe, Arizona, and taken into custody on November 20. Both suspects have since been extradited to Kings County and booked into the Kings County Jail on homicide charges.
The tragic death of Cruz Avalos has deeply affected the Hanford community. Known for his vibrant personality and dedication to family and friends, Avalos was a beloved son, brother, and friend. His family remembers him as someone who "lit up the room" and had a passion for sports, cars, and making others laugh. Funeral services were held on November 13, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hanford, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory.
As the legal proceedings against Perdue and Sanchez continue, the community remains focused on seeking justice for Avalos. The Hanford Police Department has expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by various law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspects and continues to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. This case underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community in addressing violent crime and ensuring public safety.
