Six juveniles arrested in teen’s murder

KERMAN — Six teenage boys have been arrested in connection with the murder of a teenager during a party earlier this month.

Albert Joseph Mendez, 17, of Kerman, was fatally stabbed on July 17 in the 3400 block of South Standard Avenue, between Jensen and American avenues, during a birthday party attended by around 150 people, according to authorities.

On July 20, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department arrested five juveniles in connection with the crime. Four of the suspects are 15 and one is 16. On July 22, the sheriff’s department arrested another 16-year-old on charges of murder.

Sheriff Margaret Mims said that as many as 10 people are believed to have been involved in the attack and more arrests are expected. She said the crime appears to be gang-related.

“The suspects saw the victim arrive at the party and determined he was a member of a rival criminal street gang,” Mims said during a news conference. “They made plans to attack him. They went so far as to go out in the parking lot and flatten his tires so he couldn’t leave.”

The murder investigation is ongoing.