FRESNO, CA – Fresno Police have identified the victim of a fatal shooting on Wednesday as 31-year-old Markazsa Perry. The tragic incident occurred at around 4:15 p.m. on East Samson Avenue and involved an estimated 40 shots fired.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Perry in the backyard of a residence, suffering from a single gunshot wound. She was transported to Community Regional Medical Center but was later pronounced dead.
Investigators revealed that Perry was in the backyard with others when three male suspects arrived and opened fire from approximately 40 yards away. The suspects, described as Black male adults, used multiple firearms to discharge around 40 rounds in the direction of Perry and the group. After the barrage of gunfire, the suspects fled the scene on foot and may have left the area in a vehicle.
Lieutenant Paul Cervantes of the Fresno Police Department expressed concern over the large number of rounds fired, emphasizing the potential for further casualties. “It’s only, by the grace of God, that we don’t have more people who were struck by gunfire,” he stated.
Police are investigating the possibility of a gang-related motive and are working with a multi-agency gang enforcement consortium. While it is unclear whether Perry was the intended target, investigators are pursuing all leads in an effort to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators.
The Fresno Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Those with details are encouraged to call 559-621-7000. The investigation remains active as law enforcement intensifies efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects responsible for this brazen act of violence.