Sylvester Choi

On the evening of September 10, 2024, Sylvester Choi, a 35-year-old man, was attending a gathering in central Fresno, California. At approximately 9:45 p.m., near the intersection of Abby Street and Garland Avenue, an assailant opened fire on the group. Mr. Choi was struck by multiple gunshots to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police later noted that approximately 35 rounds were fired during the attack.

Two other people were wounded in the shooting. A 20-year-old woman sustained a graze wound to her leg and was treated on-site before being released. A 30-year-old man who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body was dropped off at Community Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

Fresno police responded to ShotSpotter alerts and launched a homicide investigation, which they soon determined was gang-related. In the weeks that followed, detectives identified three suspects. On October 25, 2024, authorities formally arrested 24-year-old Nathen Rodriguez, who was already in custody for an unrelated offense. Five days later, on October 30, police announced the arrests of 27-year-old Donte Harmon and 30-year-old Maurice Fields, who were apprehended with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department. Harmon and Fields were also charged in connection with a separate homicide that occurred a month after Mr. Choi’s death.

In July 2025, Donte Harmon and Maurice Fields appeared in court for a preliminary hearing. During the proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence that included surveillance video allegedly showing the two men running from the scene of the shooting. Their murder charges remain pending.

In August 2025, Nathen Rodriguez accepted a plea agreement in connection with Sylvester Choi's death. His defense attorney argued that Rodriguez had only driven behind the alleged shooters. The most serious charges against him were dropped, and he was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison.