FRESNO — The warmth of late October took an unthinkable turn for the family and friends of 24-year-old Faustino Mancilla, who was fatally shot on Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025, while attending a gathering in his southwest Fresno neighborhood.
According to the Fresno Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 6:45 p.m. to the intersection of Poppy Avenue and California Avenue following reports of a shooting. When they arrived, Mancilla was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the shooting occurred during a gathering at a residence in the area of Poppy and California Avenues. According to the police report, an argument reportedly broke out between Mancilla and another individual at the gathering, escalating in seconds to deadly violence. The suspect fled before law enforcement arrived.
Homicide detectives have since launched a full investigation into the motive and identity of the suspect. Authorities emphasized that even the smallest piece of information could help solve the case. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Detective A. Lopez at (559) 621-2449 or Detective R. Montoya at (559) 621-2443; anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).
The tragedy also marks the 17th homicide in Fresno so far this year, a sobering contrast to 26 murders recorded at the same point last year. The statistic underscores the violent undercurrent rippling through neighborhoods that many hoped were moving toward safer days.
Friends described Faustino as someone full of life and potential — a young father and hard-working individual on the cusp of building a brighter future. In the days since his passing, the community has rallied, sharing memories of his kindness and bright smile, and lifting up his grieving family in prayer and support.
In such a moment of heartbreak, his loved ones cling to the outpouring of love and hope for justice — not just for Faustino, but for the countless others who long for peace in their neighborhoods. May his family find comfort in the words and presence of those who remember him, and may the efforts of investigators bring them answers they so desperately seek.
