Fresno County sheriff’s deputies arrested two men in connection with the murder of a teenager in Coalinga.

Nicholas Banales, 18, was arrested on Friday and has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Julian Andrade. Banales is being held in Fresno County Jail with bail set at $2.15 million. Damian Aguilera, 20, who was already in jail on unrelated charges, now faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder and is not eligible for bail.

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The arrests follow a three-and-a-half-month investigation by the Sheriff’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and Coalinga Police.

On April 16, Coalinga police responded to reports of shots fired on the 200 block of East Houston Street. Officers found Andrade suffering from gunshot wounds. He went to Coalinga Regional Medical Center where he later died.

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The investigation showed that Banales approached the home on East Houston Street and fired multiple shots, striking Andrade. Detectives say that the incident was not random, as the suspects and the victim were acquainted.

While Banales and Aguilera are alleged gang members, the victim was not known to have any affiliation with a gang. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

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Got a Tip?

Authorities are seeking additional information about the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jesse Gloria at (559) 600-8217, Detective Aurelio Flores at (559) 600-8208, or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or Valley Crime Stoppers. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #24-4351.