The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder and other charges against a 29-year-old Fresno man accused in a fatal machete attack that left his aunt dead and another woman injured, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies arrested Nicolas Arriaga and booked him into jail with bail set at $2.21 million. He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of making criminal threats, resisting arrest with violence, and enhancements for use of a deadly weapon, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Just before 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday, deputies responded to a disturbance at 6700 E. Central Ave. at Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery in Fresno after dispatchers reported a man attacking multiple people with a machete.

When deputies arrived, they contacted Arriaga, who was still armed. He dropped the weapon when ordered but then allegedly charged at deputies. Officials said deputies took him to the ground and he continued to fight before being handcuffed. Some deputies suffered minor injuries.

Deputies also provided aid to two female victims. A 64-year-old woman suffering critical upper-body injuries was transported to a hospital, where she later died on Monday. She was identified as Maria Salud Banda Wash, the owner of the nursery and Arriaga’s aunt.

A 46-year-old woman sustained hand injuries while trying to defend herself and was treated at a hospital before being released the same night.

Deputies said Arriaga also attempted to attack a man who escaped without injury.

Authorities described the case as an isolated incident involving relatives and said the investigation is ongoing.

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