Fresno County authorities arrested 21-year-old Freeman Hunter III on a murder charge after investigators say he fatally stabbed his 79-year-old father, Freeman Hunter Jr., at a home west of Fresno late Saturday night. (Fresno County SO)
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A 21-year-old Fresno man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after authorities say he fatally stabbed his father during a domestic incident late Saturday night.
Fresno County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before midnight Saturday to a report of a stabbing at a home near the intersection of Shaw and Grantland avenues west of Fresno, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies arrived, they contacted the suspect, identified as Freeman Hunter III, and took him into custody without incident. Deputies and firefighters then located the victim and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victim as retired Fresno Police Sergeant Freeman Hunter Jr., 79, the suspect’s father.
Hunter III was booked into the Fresno County Jail on a murder charge. Bail was set at $1 million, sheriff’s officials said.
Investigators have not determined a motive for the killing, and the case remains under investigation.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Castro released this statement:
“The Fresno Police Department was heartbroken to hear about Sergeant Freeman Hunter’s tragic death, especially those of us who knew him and worked alongside him over the years. Sergeant Hunter was hired by the Fresno Police Department July 1,1973, and retired July 8, 2005. He was a well-respected member of the Fresno Police Department and a mentor to both Mayor Dyer and I early in our careers. He could always be relied on to provide common-sense, well-thought-out advice, particularly to younger officers and sergeants. Our prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Got a Tip?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Fresno County Sheriff’s Detective Jose Leon at (559) 600-8221. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at valleycrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The case is being investigated under Fresno County Sheriff’s Office case No. 26-6646.
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