Homicide Victim Identified in Fresno Shooting; Investigation Ongoing
Fresno, CA — Authorities have identified the man fatally shot over the weekend in northwest Fresno as 23-year-old Banwari Godara. Godara, who had recently relocated to Fresno from his hometown of San Jose, died Saturday night following a shooting that left another man injured. As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident unfolded on the evening of Saturday, October 18th, when Fresno Police officers responded around 8:00 p.m. to a reported shooting near a shopping center at Shaw and Brawley Avenues. Upon arrival, officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds near an urgent care facility within the complex.
Both men were transported by EMS to Community Regional Medical Center. Tragically, Banwari Godara succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, was treated and later released from the hospital.
As detectives began piecing together the events of the night, it was revealed that the shooting had not occurred at the urgent care center, but rather at a truck repair yard located on the 5400 block of South Cedar Avenue, an area that falls under the jurisdiction of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Fresno Police subsequently handed over the investigation to county authorities.
Sheriff’s deputies responding to the truck yard discovered evidence of a shooting, prompting homicide detectives to take over the scene. Investigators learned that the two victims, along with a third individual, had left the truck yard together in a vehicle following the shooting and drove to the urgent care center, likely in an attempt to seek immediate medical attention.
Banwari Godara, whose image has since been shared by officials and mourners, is being remembered by those who knew him as a bright, energetic young man who had recently been working and building a life in Fresno. Details about his background or what may have led to the shooting have not been publicly disclosed.
At this time, authorities have not named any suspects or persons of interest, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
“This is an active investigation,” a spokesperson for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said. “We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the individuals involved to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously.”
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged the public to call (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867) with any information that may assist detectives in moving the case forward.
As Godara’s family and friends grapple with the devastating loss, tributes have begun appearing on social media, honoring the life of a young man taken too soon.
No further details have been released as of yet. Investigators are continuing to process forensic evidence
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