November 23, 2024 – Fresno Police Department officials report that on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 12:51 p.m., officers from the Southwest Policing District responded to Roeding Park to assist EMS personnel with a deceased male found inside the park. When officers arrived, EMS personnel advised them that they had originally responded to a call of an unresponsive male who was found by park employees. During their initial assessment of the deceased male, they determined that his death appeared suspicious and requested law enforcement to respond. After speaking to EMS personnel, officers established a crime scene and requested homicide detectives to the scene.

Homicide detectives, as well as the Fresno County Coroner’s Office, responded to conduct a death investigation. The deceased male was identified as 44-year-old Solomone Toki. During their investigation, they located a single, through-and-through gunshot wound to Toki’s left leg. They also discovered an AK-47 type pistol underneath him, concealed in his backpack. Detectives determined that the weapon was fired while in the backpack. 

Based on the evidence on scene, detectives determined Toki had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg, which resulted in his death. During their investigation, detectives learned Toki is from the Bay Area and has an extensive criminal history with law enforcement agencies in that region. However, he does not have any criminal history with our local law enforcement. 

Detectives are still attempting to determine why Toki was in the Fresno area, armed with a firearm. Detectives are asking anyone with information to please 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 J. Adney at 559-621-2445 or Detective M. Moreno at 559-621-2443.

Source & photos: Fresno Police Department