Homicide Investigation Update
July 31, 2024 – 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 area of East Iowa Avenue and North Fifth Street regarding a Shot Spotter event of twenty rounds fired. When officers arrived, they located 29-year-old Ramiro Mendoza Jr., in the middle of the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where died of his injuries.
Investigators identified Elijah Oupathame, who was a juvenile at the time, as the person responsible for shooting Mendoza. Detectives determined that Oupathame was an active gang member and was celebrating the Fourth of July holiday at a nearby residence when, for unknown reasons, he confronted and shot Mendoza. Mendoza was found to be a member of the unhoused community.
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, Oupathame was contacted by the Clovis Police Department, where he was arrested for vehicle burglary. Initially, he provided a false name to officers at the time of his arrest; however, he was identified through fingerprints and was subsequently arrested for the murder of Mendoza. Although an arrest has been made in this case, detectives are asking anyone with information 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.
Note: A photo of the suspect is not posted in compliance with Penal Code 13665.
Source & photo: Fresno Police Department
