Above: Alejandro Lopez (L) and Jose Verduzco (R) | Fresno PD
Fresno police have made multiple arrests in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred earlier this month.
According to a press release by the Fresno Police Department, 30-year-old Alejandro Lopez has been identified and arrested as the primary suspect in the murder of Kristopher Rodriguez, 22.
Detectives reportedly believe that, on the evening of Thursday, June 1, Rodriguez and a group of friends and family members had gotten into a verbal confrontation with another group of individuals, all males, on the 900 block of Fulton Street. The confrontation escalated to two of the males allegedly assaulting Rodriguez, and one of them stabbed Rodriguez multiple times.
Responding officers and EMS provided medical aid to Rodriguez at the scene, but he was ultimately pronounced deceased.
Police soon located and detained Lopez, who was reportedly seen fleeing the area. He was shortly thereafter taken to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment for an injured shoulder, then booked into jail after being medically cleared, police said.
A second individual, identified as 33-year-old Jose Orlando Verduzco, was reportedly identified as the second suspect who had allegedly assaulted Rodriguez. He also allegedly pointed a handgun at two women as he fled the scene, police said.
On Monday, June 12, Verduzco turned himself in. He was taken into custody and booked at the Fresno County jail.
It was unclear at press time whether either of the suspects had retained an attorney. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Despite the arrests, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators are asking that anyone with information relevant to the case or the incident come forward by contacting the Fresno Police Department.
Individuals with information can also contact Fresno PD Homicide Detective J. Baroni or R. Montoya directly at (559) 621-2516 or (559) 621-2449, respectively.
Those wishing to remain anonymous have the option of contacting Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867.
