Around 7:30 pm on Friday, March 3rd, Orange Cove Police officers were dispatched to a call of shots near the intersection of J and 10th Streets.

Upon arrival, officers found two young men inside a car who had been shot. EMS personnel immediately transported both to the hospital. 18 year old Ruben Velazquez of Orange Cove died as a result of his injuries. The other young man, 17 years old, remains hospitalized and is listed in critical condition.

Orange Cove Police requested the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office handle the investigation.

Sheriff’s homicide detectives and members of our Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and vehicle responsible. This is possibly a gang-related shooting.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Oscar Iniguez at (559) 600-8201 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case # 23-2524.