Maria Salud Banda Wash Dies After Easter Sunday Machete Attack at Fresno Nursery; Nephew Nicolas Arriaga Charged
FRESNO, Calif. — A family violence case that started on Easter Sunday at a Fresno plant nursery has now become a murder case. Authorities say 64-year-old Maria Salud Banda Wash died from her injuries on April 13, 2026. Prosecutors have charged her 29-year-old nephew, Nicolas Arriaga of Fresno, in connection with the attack.
This story developed over several days. We first covered the incident when deputies reported that two people had been hospitalized after a fight at the nursery. You can read that earlier report here:
2 Hospitalized After Fresno County Nursery Stabbing Fight
What happened on Easter Sunday in Fresno
According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded just before 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026, to 6700 E. Central Ave. in Fresno. The address is home to Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery. Dispatchers told deputies that a man was attacking multiple people with a machete.
When deputies arrived, they found Nicolas Arriaga still armed, authorities said. Investigators say he dropped the machete when deputies ordered him to do so. However, they say he then charged at deputies. Deputies took him to the ground and restrained him after a struggle. Some deputies suffered minor injuries during the arrest.
Victims identified in the nursery attack
Deputies found two injured women at the nursery. Maria Salud Banda Wash suffered critical injuries to her upper body. First responders took her to the hospital, where she later died on April 13.
A second woman, 46, hurt her hands while trying to defend herself, according to authorities. Doctors treated her and released her later that night. Deputies also said Arriaga tried to attack a man at the nursery, but the man escaped without injury.
Maria Salud Banda Wash owned Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery
Authorities identified Banda Wash as the owner of Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery. They also said the suspect and victims were relatives. Investigators identified Arriaga as Banda Wash’s nephew.
Sago Rey is a long-running Fresno-area nursery. The business has deep roots in the area, which makes the case even more shocking for those familiar with the property and the family behind it.
Charges filed against Nicolas Arriaga
After Banda Wash died, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office filed several charges against Arriaga. Those charges include murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of making criminal threats, and resisting arrest with violence.
Prosecutors also added enhancements for use of a deadly weapon. Authorities set Arriaga’s bail at $2.21 million.
How the Fresno case unfolded
Initial reports on April 6 said two people had been hospitalized after a fight and stabbing at the nursery. At that stage, authorities had detained one person while they continued the investigation.
Later updates added more detail. The sheriff’s office identified the suspect, confirmed the machete allegations, and announced Banda Wash’s death on April 13. Prosecutors then filed the new charges.
What investigators have confirmed
Authorities have confirmed that deputies responded to a disturbance at Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery on Easter Sunday. They have also confirmed that two women were injured, that Banda Wash later died from her injuries, and that Arriaga was arrested and charged.
Investigators also said this was an isolated incident involving family members. They said a third person escaped without injury.
What is still not publicly confirmed
Authorities have not publicly released a motive. They also have not explained what triggered the violence. In addition, public updates have not provided a full court timeline beyond the charge filing and bail amount.
The case remains active. Anyone with information can contact Detective Jose Leon at (559) 600-8221, Detective Michael Sasso at (559) 600-8523, or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. Authorities asked the public to reference case number 26-3870.
Quick facts
- Incident date: Sunday, April 5, 2026, just before 4 p.m.
- Location: Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery, 6700 E. Central Ave., Fresno
- Victim who died: Maria Salud Banda Wash, 64
- Suspect: Nicolas Arriaga, 29, of Fresno
- Relationship: Authorities say the suspect and victims were relatives
- Weapon described by authorities: Machete
- Filed charges: Murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of making criminal threats, resisting arrest with violence, plus weapon-use enhancements
- Bail: $2.21 million
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