On the night of July 18, 2024, at about 10:30 p.m., Fresno Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert near East Woodward Avenue and Ninth Street, close to Sequoia Middle School. Officers found 21-year-old Darius Lopez and a 19-year-old woman inside a vehicle; both had been shot after an assailant approached on foot and opened fire. Lopez suffered wounds to his upper and lower body and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died. The female victim sustained a gunshot to the lower body and was listed in stable condition.

Investigators canvassed the area for witnesses and surveillance footage, but the motive remains unclear. As of December 26, 2024, no arrests or suspect identifications have been reported and the investigation is active. Anyone who may have seen the shooting or has footage from that area that night is urged to contact the Fresno Police Department or Crime Stoppers.