Fresno’s Latest Homicide Marks 32 Murders This Year

FRESNO – The discovery of a dead man in an apartment complex on Tuesday brought Fresno’s homicde total for 2012 to 32.

Fresno responded to calls about shots fired at the Whispering Woods apartment complex located in the 5200 block of North Fresno Street around 1 a.m. on Tuesday. When police arrived on the scene, they found 35-year-old Billy Burrell dead on the sidewalk.

Entrance of Whispering Woods

“We found him deceased in the breezeway courtyard,” said Lt. Phil Cooley with the Fresno Police Department.

The apartment complex where Burrell was found is an area that police often patrol because of the high criminal activity. Neighbors have said that something happens everyday, from people fighting to people doing drugs out in the open.

Police have not revealed very much information in connection to Tuesday’s homicide. They say the victim was found wearing blue latex gloves. According to authorities, Burrell was a gang member and a convicted felon who served a prison term on weapons charges. His murder was likely gang related.

Fresno’s homicide total has now reached 32, already nearing last year’s total of 35, which was one of the lowest totals on record for the city. On average, Fresno has 45 murders each year. Of the homicides this year, 19 have involved gangs. Police say there are approximately 20,000 gang members in Fresno, which makes it hard for police to keep up with their constant violent activity.

Police have not yet made any arrests in Tuesday’s murder, but say they have several strong leads.

Read More:

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Fresno Bee: Police Investigating NE Fresno Homicide