Homicide Investigation Update 

September 9, 2023 - Fresno Police Department officials report that on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 2:36 a.m., officers from the Southeast Policing District responded to the 3500 block of East Iowa Avenue regarding a ShotSpotter activation indicating twenty rounds had been fired. When officers arrived, they located 29-year-old Ramiro Mendoza Jr. in the middle of the street on the ground, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center but did not survive his wounds and was pronounced deceased.

Through their investigation, homicide detectives have identified 18-year-old Elijah Oupathame as the suspect responsible for shooting Mendoza. Detectives determined Oupathame, an active gang member, was celebrating the Fourth of July holiday at a nearby residence when, for unknown reasons, he confronted and shot Mendoza, a member of the unhoused community. A warrant for PC 187(a) – Murder has been issued for Oupathame’s arrest.

Oupathame is also wanted for an unrelated shooting that occurred on December 15, 2022, where several residences were struck.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this shooting or Oupathame’s whereabouts to contact the Fresno Police Department.

Anyone calling with information can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867). You may also contact Fresno Police Department – Homicide Detective M. Yee at 559-621-2407 or Detective J. Baroni at 559-621-2516.

Source & photo: Fresno Police Department