Unknown suspects open fire on Fresno backyard football party, several dead

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday evening, Fresno police received a call about a shooting on the 5300 block of East Lamona Avenue. Emergency personnel arrived and found multiple shooting victims, including several deceased.

During a press conference held around 8:30 p.m., Lt. Bill Dooley said:

“What we do know is that this was a gathering, a family and friend gathering, in the backyard.”

“Everyone was watching a football game this evening when unknown suspects approached the residence, snuck into the backyard and opened fired.”

The suspects fled after the shooting.

Police are going door to door looking for additional information, including descriptions of the suspects’ car. They are actively searching for witnesses and surveillance footage that may have captured important details.

Dooley said:

“What we found were several individuals deceased in the backyard.”

The victims, some in critical condition, have all been transported to the hospital for treatment. Police said at the time they believed about nine people were shot, although there could be more they are unaware of. Later reports indicate police have since discovered 10 shooting victims.

The investigation is ongoing and “a lot of information” will be released, according to Lt. Bill Dooley.

Dooley said:

“This was a mass casualty shooting. There’s no doubt about it.”