Julian Joseph Contreras, a 34-year-old resident of Visalia, California, died on April 7, 2015. His death was ruled a homicide after an investigation that began with unclear circumstances and reports of a violent altercation that led to his death.

Investigators identified and questioned several suspects and ultimately made arrests. Authorities linked some of the suspects to local gang activity, and the suspects were charged with murder among other counts. The prosecutions and defenses traded challenges over evidence and witness testimony during court proceedings that drew significant public attention in Visalia.

What details about the altercation or those involved might still help clarify what happened to Julian Contreras?