Homicide 

November 30, 2023 - Chowchilla Police Department officials report that on November 28, 2023, officers of the Chowchilla Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Riverside Avenue in regard to a shooting.  The call came in at approximately 3:21 p.m. and officers arrived within 1 minute of being dispatched to the call.  Upon arriving on scene, Chowchilla officers found two adults in the front yard of a residence who each sustained gunshot wounds.  One of the victims, a female adult in her mid-20’s, had a gunshot wound to her lower leg.  The other victim, who was a male adult also in his mid-20’s, was found to have a gunshot wound to his middle torso area.  Officers and responding emergency personnel rendered immediate first aid to the victims as other officers began their investigation.

During the investigation of the scene, officers were able to capture video evidence as well as physical evidence which included shell casings.  While this on-scene investigation was occurring, the two victims were transported to CRMC by ambulance.  Sadly and tragically, the male adult succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.  His passing transitioned this case from an attempted homicide to a homicide. 

Chowchilla’s investigation was assisted by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, who sent additional investigators to help locate the suspect.  A vehicle involved in the incident was discovered by Chowchilla officers.  Additional information and evidence concluded that 20-year-old Nathan Gonzales (DOB: 02-05-03) was the person who shot and killed the male and injured the female.  Search warrants for several residences were written and signed and carried out by the Madera County Regional SWAT Team, consisting of members from the Chowchilla Police Department, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and Madera Police Department. 

Nathan Gonzales is a known Norteños gang member with a criminal history which includes an armed robbery conviction.  He is considered armed and dangerous at this time and is believed to be trying to leave the state to Texas. 

A photo of Nathan Gonzales and his wanted information, is posted below.

If you have any information about this incident or the whereabouts of Nathan Gonzales, please call the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600.

Source: Chowchilla Police Department