City officials have temporarily closed the gates to the Milburn overlook near the San Joaquin River following the shooting death of 24-year-old Brandyn Harris on Monday.
“The Milburn overlook … is meant to be a peaceful retreat for residents,” said Fresno City Councilman Mike Karbassi. “The tragic event that took place … has rattled the residents of northwest Fresno.
“The city manager’s office and I have agreed to look into safety features for the lookout in order to make the area safer for the neighborhood. During this process, we have decided to temporarily close access gates until safety improvements are made.”

“The city manager’s office and I have agreed to look into safety features for the lookout in order to make the area safer for the neighborhood. During this process, we have decided to temporarily close access gates until safety improvements are made.” — Fresno City Councilman Mike Karbassi

Neighborhood Meeting Scheduled for Thursday

Karbassi also said that he is holding a neighborhood meeting that will include Fresno Police Department representatives Thursday. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Liddell Elementary School multipurpose room. The school is at 5455 W. Alluvial Avenue.
Police dispatchers received reports of shots fired in the vicinity of Milburn and Alluvial avenues at about 2:30 p.m Monday. Officers found Harris with gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, Lt. Jennifer Horsford said.

Neighbors Performed CPR

Witnesses said that people nearby rushed to Harris and performed CPR before police arrived.
“I also want to recognize the bravery of the neighbors who provided assistance until EMS was on scene,” Karbassi said. “These selfless acts of kindness are what keep our community whole.”
One neighbor, Jason Guenther, told yourcentralvalley.com that the overlook provides “a really great view, it’s a nice walk, it’s perfect for our little kids.”
However, other neighbors said that the overlook has become a haven for partying and drug deals.
Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call police at 559 621-7000.