Central Valley News Today: Fresno Shooting, Hit-And-Run, Drowning & Avenal Recall
Central Valley news today for Friday, June 26, 2026, includes several major updates from Fresno, Madera County, Stockton, and Avenal. This week’s roundup covers public safety, courts, local government, and developing investigations across Central California.
Below are the top stories Central Valley Entertainment is following this week.
13-Year-Old Arrested In Deadly Northwest Fresno Shooting
Fresno police are investigating a deadly northwest Fresno shooting that killed 19-year-old Edgar Hernandez.
According to ABC30, police arrested a 13-year-old boy in connection with the case. Officials said the boy was booked into juvenile custody on a manslaughter charge as investigators continue to review what happened.
Police described the shooting as an isolated incident. However, investigators have not released every detail about what led up to the shooting.
This story has drawn major attention because of the victim’s age and the age of the suspect.
Source:
https://abc30.com/post/man-dies-shooting-northwest-fresno-apartment-complex-police-say/19370844/
Woman Killed In Downtown Fresno Hit-And-Run
Fresno police are also investigating a fatal hit-and-run in downtown Fresno.
According to ABC30, the crash happened Thursday night near F Street and Ventura Avenue. Police said a large dark-colored SUV struck a woman and left the scene.
Officers found the woman with severe injuries. She later died at Community Regional Medical Center.
Investigators continue to search for the driver and the vehicle. Police are asking anyone with information to contact authorities.
Source:
https://abc30.com/post/person-severely-injured-being-hit-vehicle-downtown-fresno/19384939/
7-Year-Old Dies After Drowning At Southeast Fresno Apartment Complex
A 7-year-old boy died after a drowning at a southeast Fresno apartment complex pool.
ABC30 reported that police and fire crews responded Thursday afternoon. Emergency crews pulled the child from the pool, but officials later confirmed that he died.
Authorities said they do not suspect foul play at this time.
This tragedy comes during the summer season, when many families spend more time around pools, lakes, and rivers across the Central Valley.
Woman In Her 80s Shot Multiple Times Inside Southeast Fresno Home
Fresno detectives are investigating a shooting that injured a woman in her 80s inside a southeast Fresno home.
According to ABC30, police said the shooting happened Thursday morning. Several rounds struck the home, and three bullets hit the woman.
Family members told ABC30 the woman, described as a great-grandmother, was recovering.
Police continue to search for a motive. Investigators also said they believe this shooting was unrelated to another overnight shooting nearby.
Source:
https://abc30.com/post/woman-shot-multiple-times-southeast-fresno-home-police-say/19379141/
Missing Wife Found Safe After Madera County Deputy-Involved Shooting
A Madera County case continued to develop after a deputy-involved shooting left 42-year-old Gregory Anguiano dead.
According to ABC30, authorities said Claudia Anguiano, Gregory’s wife, had been reported missing and was later found safe.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began after reports involving a burglary near Avenue 12 west of Madera Ranchos. Officials said Gregory Anguiano became combative during contact with a deputy.
Authorities said the deputy opened fire after a struggle. The California Department of Justice continues to investigate the shooting.
Source:
https://abc30.com/post/missing-woman-safe-husband-killed-madera-county-deputy/19365454/
Stockton Sees Two New Homicides Hours Apart
Stockton reported two new homicides just hours apart this week.
Stocktonia reported that one fatal shooting happened Sunday afternoon in the Bear Creek District. Police found a 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound. He later died at a hospital.
A second fatal shooting happened early Monday in the Civic District. Police found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound. He also died after being taken to a hospital.
Detectives continue to investigate both cases. Police had not released suspect or motive information at the time of the report.
Former Fresno Teacher Appears In Court On Student Sex-Act Charges
A former Fresno Unified elementary school teacher appeared in court this week on serious charges involving students.
According to ABC30, Aaron Butler is charged with nine counts of lewd and lascivious acts involving five girls. Prosecutors allege the incidents happened between August 2014 and June 2017.
These charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
ABC30 reported that prosecutors presented testimony during a preliminary hearing. The judge will later decide whether enough evidence exists for the case to move toward trial.
Source:
https://abc30.com/post/former-fresno-teacher-court-charges-sex-acts-involving-students/19383529/
Avenal Recall Fight Continues After Recalled Officials Refuse To Step Down
A tense city council meeting in Avenal brought new attention to a recall fight in Kings County.
According to ABC30, recalled city leaders refused to step down after a recall election. The Kings County Registrar of Voters certified the election earlier this year.
ABC30 reported that 73% of voters supported recalling four council members.
During Thursday night’s meeting, recall organizers served city leaders with new court papers. The meeting grew heated, and some community members walked out.
The dispute may continue through the courts.
Fresno Moves Toward Red-Light Camera Pilot Program
Fresno could bring red-light cameras to some of the city’s most dangerous intersections.
According to ABC30, the Fresno City Council voted Thursday to begin the process of identifying vendors and locations for a three-year pilot program.
Supporters say the cameras could help improve intersection safety. The city would still need to work through details, including funding, locations, and fine amounts.
ABC30 reported that violations would carry civil penalties, not criminal penalties. Drivers would not receive points on their licenses.
Source:
https://abc30.com/post/city-fresno-begins-process-red-light-camera-pilot-program/19382675/
Quick Facts
Fresno police arrested a 13-year-old boy after a deadly northwest Fresno shooting.
A woman died after a downtown Fresno hit-and-run.
A 7-year-old boy died after a southeast Fresno apartment pool drowning.
A woman in her 80s was shot inside a southeast Fresno home.
A Madera County deputy-involved shooting remains under investigation.
Stockton police are investigating two separate homicides from this week.
A former Fresno teacher appeared in court on serious student-related charges.
Avenal’s recall dispute continues after recalled officials refused to step down.
Fresno City Council started the process for a red-light camera pilot program.
What Is Confirmed
Officials and local reports confirmed the main public safety and government updates in this roundup.
Fresno police confirmed investigations into the deadly shooting, hit-and-run, drowning, and southeast Fresno home shooting. Madera County officials confirmed Claudia Anguiano was found safe after the deputy-involved shooting case. Stockton police are investigating two homicide cases. Fresno City Council voted to begin the process for a red-light camera pilot program.
ABC30 and Stocktonia reported these updates between June 23 and June 26, 2026.
What Is Still Developing
Several stories remain active.
Police have not released all details about what led to the northwest Fresno shooting. Fresno investigators are still searching for the driver in the downtown hit-and-run. Detectives continue to investigate the southeast Fresno home shooting. The California Department of Justice continues to review the Madera County deputy-involved shooting.
The Stockton homicide investigations also remain open. The former Fresno teacher case remains in court, and the charges are allegations unless proven. Avenal’s recall fight may continue through legal action.
Central Valley Entertainment Will Continue Following These Stories
This week’s Central Valley news today roundup shows how quickly major stories can develop across Fresno, Madera County, Stockton, Avenal, and the wider Central California region.
Follow Central Valley Entertainment for more local news, crime updates, court stories, food, businesses, events, and community coverage across the Central Valley.
Discover What’s Happening in the Central Valley
Central Valley Entertainment brings you local news, food features, business spotlights, and community stories from across the Valley. We’re here to showcase what makes our region unique—and the people building it every day.
Have a story, service, or business worth sharing? Reach out and get featured.
