On the evening of July 19, 2023, James Buford, a 69-year-old resident of Sanger, California, was found injured near Winton Park in Fresno County. A utility worker discovered Buford near Piedra and Elwood Roads around 10:30 p.m. and alerted authorities. Emergency responders transported him to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Buford served as a camp host at Winton Park, a role in which he provided on-site security and maintenance for the area. His responsibilities included ensuring the park's safety and cleanliness, making his death particularly shocking to the local community.
In the initial stages of the investigation, detectives had not identified any suspects or established a motive for the crime. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office sought assistance from the public, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Subsequent developments led to the arrest of 40-year-old Michael Brandon Kent, who was apprehended in Camden County, Missouri, in early November 2023. Kent was charged with the murder of James Buford and extradited to Fresno County to face trial.
During court proceedings, testimony revealed that Kent's ex-girlfriend, Katie, who was also Buford's niece, was present at the scene. She testified that she and Kent had visited Winton Park on the night of the incident. An altercation occurred between Kent and Buford, during which Kent fatally shot Buford.
In February 2024, Kent was found guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting death of James Buford. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 2, 2024, and faces a substantial prison term for his actions.
