On August 14, 2023, 41-year-old Nathaniel Ricks was fatally shot in southwest Fresno, California. The incident occurred shortly after midnight in the 200 block of West Hawes Avenue, near Kearney Boulevard and Thorne Avenue. Officers from the Southwest Policing District responded to reports of a gunshot victim and found Ricks suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite immediate first aid efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that a physical altercation inside a residence preceded the shooting. Family members in the main house reported hearing gunshots from a living space behind the property, prompting them to call 911. Detectives believe that the shooter was known to Ricks, and they are working with family members to identify the suspect. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made, and the suspect's description remains undisclosed.
Ricks had a history of gang affiliation; however, detectives do not consider gang involvement as the motive for his murder. This case marked the 24th homicide in Fresno for the year 2023, reflecting a decrease compared to 36 homicides during the same period in the previous year. The Fresno Police Department continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with information to contact them at (559) 621-7000 or to remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
