James Soto, 47, of Fresno, California, was found dead in his car on October 7, 2020. His body was in a decomposed state, indicating he had been dead for several days before discovery, and the Fresno Police Department confirmed he had been shot in the upper torso. Soto worked as an HVAC contractor; his daughter Stephanie Soto described him as outgoing, friendly, and not involved in gang activity.

Police classified the death as a homicide and launched a homicide investigation. Authorities noted Soto’s killing occurred amid a period that included multiple victims of gun violence in Fresno. The arrest of 33-year-old Alejandro Chavarria by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was reported during the inquiries; Chavarria was taken into custody on a parole violation and firearms possession matters, and Fresno homicide detectives said he might have information related to several gang-related murders in the area, including Soto’s, though it was not stated that he was charged in this case.

Anyone with information about James Soto or his murder is urged to come forward.