Police are still investigating the case of a puzzling gunfight in East Fresno that resulted in three people dead and one person wounded.
Two armed men, identified as half-brothers Xavier Williams, 23, and Elijah Mays Sr., 27, both of Sacramento, reportedly entered the home of an Asian American household in the 5200 block of East Hammond Avenue on Tuesday at 8 a.m. Although the motives are still unknown, past criminal records of the suspects suggest that the attack was a possible attempt at an armed robbery.
Alarmed of the intrusion, Chong Yee Yang, the father in the house, yelled to warn his children, according to ABC Channel 30. One of his sons immediately came out armed with an AR-15, reportedly igniting a gun battle.
Both of the intruders and the 69-year-old homeowner Yang were killed from the violent shootout. Meanwhile, the victim’s 30-year-old son who engaged the criminals sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
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The incident left the victim’s family wondering why their house was targeted in the first place.
“It’s a very hardworking family, very nice family,” said Sindi Yang, the victim’s sister-in-law.
“They don’t have any trouble for any people, very quiet family, the mother and father are too old.”
According to Yang, the family was about to celebrate her brother-in-law’s birthday when in the men walked through their front door without warning.
“It’s a tragic case, very tragic, that there are people out who will victimize an innocent person for no apparent reason,” Fresno Police’s Lt. Dave Madrigal was quoted as saying.
Investigators have stated that the suspects, who were found to have extensive criminal histories, appear to members of a violent street gang. Past criminal charges of the two include robbery and home invasion.
Feature image via Fresno Police Department
