Araceli Gutierrez was 14 when she was shot and killed on July 27, 2022, outside an apartment complex at E and 8th Streets in Orange Cove, California. A 19-year-old boyfriend who was with her was wounded but survived. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office investigated the shooting as part of a pattern of gun violence affecting teenagers in the county.

Detectives followed leads to a 16-year-old male who was found in illegal possession of a firearm; investigators say evidence confirmed he fired the shot. The suspect has been charged with murder and attempted murder and is being held at a juvenile detention facility. Araceli’s parents, Yesenia Gutierrez Lorea and Carlos Izazaga Rivera, have spoken publicly about their grief and requested the suspect be tried as an adult.

If anyone knew Araceli or has information about the case, please share details with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.