A stabbing in southwest Fresno has now become a homicide investigation after the victim died from his injuries days later.
Fresno police said officers responded on April 28, 2026, to the Discount General Merchandise Store at 370 B Street, near B Street and San Benito Street. When officers arrived, they found 58-year-old Leonardo Alejo suffering from an apparent stab wound.
Emergency crews took Alejo to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment. Police later said he died from his injuries on May 5, 2026.
Authorities had already arrested 32-year-old Jose Moreno on the day of the stabbing. Police initially booked him on an attempted murder allegation. Now, homicide detectives are working with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office to upgrade the case to a murder charge.
What Happened in the Southwest Fresno Stabbing?
Police said the stabbing happened near the Discount General Merchandise Store in southwest Fresno.
Officers responded to the area at about 5:41 p.m. on April 28. When they reached the scene, they found Alejo unresponsive and injured.
First responders rushed him to the hospital. He remained under medical care for several days before he died on May 5.
Victim Identified as Leonardo Alejo
Police identified the victim as Leonardo Alejo, 58, of Fresno.
Alejo’s death turned the case into a homicide investigation. ABC30 reported that his death marked the 10th homicide in the city of Fresno this year.
Suspect Arrested the Same Day
Police identified Jose Moreno, 32, as the suspect in the stabbing.
Officers arrested Moreno on April 28, the same day as the incident. Authorities booked him into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder.
After Alejo died, detectives began working with prosecutors to seek a murder charge instead.
Detectives Now Seek a Murder Charge
The case changed after Alejo died from his injuries.
Police said homicide detectives are now working with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office to amend Moreno’s charges from attempted murder to murder.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether prosecutors have formally filed the upgraded charge yet.
Motive Has Not Been Released
So far, police have not publicly confirmed a motive in the case.
Investigators have also released few details about what led up to the stabbing. The case remains under investigation.
Anyone With Information Can Contact Police
Police are still asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
Tips can be sent to Homicide Detective R. Gallegos at 559-621-2451 or Detective J. Baroni at 559-621-2516. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP (7867).
Quick Facts
- Victim: Leonardo Alejo, 58
- Suspect: Jose Moreno, 32
- Date of stabbing: April 28, 2026
- Victim died: May 5, 2026
- Location: Discount General Merchandise Store, 370 B Street, near B Street and San Benito Street in southwest Fresno
- Hospital: Community Regional Medical Center
- Current status: Detectives are seeking to upgrade the case from attempted murder to murder
- Homicide count: Police said this became Fresno’s 10th homicide of 2026
What Is Confirmed
- Police responded to a stabbing in southwest Fresno on April 28.
- Officers found Leonardo Alejo suffering from an apparent stab wound.
- Alejo later died at Community Regional Medical Center on May 5.
- Police arrested Jose Moreno the same day as the stabbing.
- Detectives are working with prosecutors to seek a murder charge.
What Is Not Yet Confirmed
- Police have not publicly confirmed a motive.
- Investigators have not released many details about what led up to the stabbing.
- Officials have not publicly confirmed that the murder charge has already been formally filed.
