On Saturday, October 1st, Homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested 70 year old Edmundo Martinez of Parlier.

He was been booked into the Fresno County Jail for homicide. His bail is $1.5 million. The Fresno County District Attorney has filed charges in this case.

Just before 8:00 am on Saturday, Parlier Police officers responded to a report of an injured person at the Parlier Plaza Apartments, located at 640 S. Zediker Ave. in Parlier. There they found a man on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced deceased. He was identified as 45 year old Jose Palafox Jr. of Parlier. Officers later contacted Edmundo Martinez. He claimed to have shot Palafox Jr., so officers detained him.

Parlier Police requested that homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.

The preliminary investigation shows Martinez had his bike stolen on Friday, September 30th. This bike, valued at $700, was Martinez’ only form of transportation. Martinez received information that Palafox Jr. was the person responsible for stealing his bike. Martinez was familiar with Palafox Jr., so he went to his home to try and retrieve his bike. Family members told Martinez they were not aware of any bike and said Palafox Jr. was not home. Friday evening, Martinez saw Palafox Jr. walking on the street and confronted him, demanding his bike back. Palafox Jr. denied having the bike. Saturday morning, Martinez contacted Palafox Jr. outside the Parlier Plaza Apartments and shot him multiple times. The bike was never recovered.

Anyone with additional information that can aid in this investigation is asked to please contact Homicide Detective Richard Antunez at (559) 600-8221. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.