October 31, 2023 - Fresno County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the homicide detectives with the Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in 
locating 40-year-old Michael Brandon Kent of Fresno. He also goes by the nickname ‘Gage’. Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Kent committing a homicide. He should be considered armed and dangerous, so the public should not approach him. Instead, dial 911 if you see him or know of his whereabouts.
Around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, a utility worker called law enforcement after finding an injured person, later identified as James Buford, near Piedra and Elwood Roads, which is in the area of Winton Park. EMS, Cal Fire, and deputies arrived and found the man, along Piedra Road, outside of the park. EMS transported him to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno where he later died.
69-year-old James Buford of Sanger was contracted by Fresno County to work as a camp host. This means he was a custodian caretaker hired to provide on-site security for Winton Park. The county has a total of 13 such workers who provide this type of service at seven different county parks.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Kent is asked to please contact Detective Rudy Tafoya at (559) 600-8207, rudolpho.tafoya@fresnosheriff.org or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward. Reference case # 23-8313.
Source & photos: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
