Lemoore police investigating second homicide in space of a week in city

Police are still investigating the May 10 homicide of a 16-year-old juvenile who was found in an apartment, the victim of a stabbing attack. The young man, Wanya Jones, despite life-saving efforts, died later at the hospital.

On Wednesday, at 2:26 p.m. police responded to a report of a man with stab wounds in the 800 block of Hanford-Armona Road, at the intersection with Cinnamon. The body was found outside of an apartment complex, said police officials.

“They (officers) arrived” to find one decedent male adult, said Lemoore Police Comdr. Margaret Ochoa. “They took lifesaving measures” but the victim passed away at the scene, she said.

Ochoa said that several witnesses were interviewed. “They’re following all active leads right now, but nobody is in custody.”  Ochoa is urging anyone with information to contact the Lemoore Police Department at 559-924-5333. “Witnesses can remain anonymous,” she said.

Police do suspect that the homicide was gang related. Ochoa indicated that currently Wednesday’s murder and last week’s stabbing death appear to be isolated incidents, but that the department suspects gang activity was involved.

“We’re taking a pretty aggressive approach,” she said. “We’ll be implementing some special operations.”

Again, police are asking that anyone with information call the department at 559-924-5333.