July 27, 2022 - Homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office are searching for the person responsible for shooting and killing 14-year-old Araceli Gutierrez of Orange Cove. The shooter also injured Gutierrez’ 19-year-old boyfriend who lives in Del Rey. He is hospitalized and in serious condition. Doctors expect him to survive.

Around 3:00 am on Tuesday, Orange Cove Police officers responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment complex on the 500 block of 8th Street in Orange Cove. Officers arrived and found two shooting victims, a 19-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl. Both were transported to local hospitals. The girl later passed away.

Due to this being a murder, Orange Cove Police requested that homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation. Detectives and members of our Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to collect evidence. The preliminary investigation shows a single person confronted the young man and teenage girl as they stood near the street. The suspect fired multiple shots and then fled the area. Detectives have not determined a motive for the shooting, nor have they established any relationship between the suspect and victims. Efforts are being made to try and identify the shooter as part of this ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information that can aid in this investigation is asked to please contact Homicide Detective Jesse Gloria at (559) 600-8217. You may also contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

 Source & photo: Fresno County Sheriff's Office