David Clay, 24, of Fresno died on December 17, 2022, after being struck by a bullet while sitting in the driver’s seat of a car near Cornelia and Belmont avenues around midnight. Friends drove him to a local hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office opened a homicide investigation; the incident has been described in reports as an accidental shooting.

The passenger, 24-year-old Javier McCoy, was reportedly handling a loaded firearm in the backseat when it discharged, the bullet passing through the seat and striking Clay in the upper body. McCoy was arrested and booked on December 18, 2022, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter and was released that same day after posting bond. He was scheduled to appear in court on March 2, 2023.

What did neighbors or witnesses near Cornelia and Belmont see that night, and does anyone have information that could help clarify how the weapon was being handled?