FRESNO, CA — Police have identified 46-year-old Gregory De La Cruz as the victim of a fatal stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning in southeast Fresno. The violent incident, which unfolded shortly before 7 a.m., took place inside a residence near Fillmore and Jackson Avenues, leaving the community in shock.
Investigators report that De La Cruz was stabbed multiple times inside the home. Witnesses at the scene stated they saw the suspect flee immediately after the attack. While the motive remains unclear, police believe the crime was a targeted act, ruling out the possibility of a random attack.
The stabbing has rattled the typically quiet neighborhood. Aurelio Garza, a nearby resident, expressed his concern, saying, “I’ve never heard of anything like this around here. It’s really alarming to know this happened so close to home.”
Authorities are actively working to locate the suspect. Detectives are interviewing witnesses who were inside the residence at the time of the stabbing and gathering evidence. However, no descriptions or further details about the suspect have been released as the investigation continues.
This marks Fresno’s 29th homicide of the year, a statistic that reflects a rise in violent crime across the city. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward, emphasizing that even minor details could be critical to solving the crime.
As police piece together the events leading to De La Cruz’s death, questions linger about the relationship between the victim and the suspect. Targeted crimes often involve individuals known to one another, but investigators have not yet provided any additional context.
Residents in the area have expressed heightened concerns about safety following the attack. Many described the stabbing as an anomaly in their otherwise peaceful community, making the incident all the more unsettling.
Fresno police remain committed to finding the person responsible for this tragic act. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime and the importance of collaboration between the community and law enforcement to seek justice for victims like Gregory De La Cruz.