FRESNO, Calif. — Authorities have identified the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as 23-year-old Banwari Godara, a young man who had recently relocated to Fresno from his hometown of San Jose. His death has left both communities mourning as detectives continue their investigation into the deadly incident.
According to the Fresno Police Department, officers were dispatched around 8:00 p.m. Saturday to reports of gunfire near a shopping center at Shaw and Brawley Avenues in northwest Fresno. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds near an urgent care facility in the complex.
Emergency medical personnel immediately rendered aid and transported both victims to Community Regional Medical Center. Tragically, Banwari Godara succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
Investigators soon determined that the shooting did not occur at the shopping center where the men were found. After further investigation, officers learned the victims had been shot earlier in the evening near a truck repair yard located along the 5400 block of South Cedar Avenue, which lies in an unincorporated area of Fresno County.
Because the incident took place outside city limits, Fresno Police turned the case over to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. Deputies responded to the truck yard, where they discovered evidence confirming it as the primary crime scene. Homicide detectives were subsequently called in to process the area and gather additional information.
Detectives believe the two victims, along with another unidentified individual, left the scene in a vehicle after the shooting and stopped at the urgent care center in northwest Fresno while attempting to seek medical assistance.
At this time, investigators have not released details regarding a possible motive, suspect description, or any known relationship between the victims and the shooter. No arrests have been made, and authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the events leading up to the shooting to come forward.
“We’re asking members of the community who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area of South Cedar Avenue on Saturday evening to contact us,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “Even the smallest detail can help bring answers to the victim’s family and lead to justice.”
Community members describe Banwari Godara as a hardworking and kindhearted young man who had recently moved to Fresno in pursuit of new opportunities. Friends and family in both Fresno and San Jose are devastated by his sudden loss and are calling for justice in his memory.
“He had his whole life ahead of him,” one family friend said. “Banwari was full of life, always smiling, and always looking out for others. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
As detectives continue their work, local residents are being reminded that anonymous tips can make a critical difference in solving violent crimes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Detective Galindo at (559) 600-8215 or Detective Flores at (559) 600-8208. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. Please reference case #25-10830 when providing information.
As the Fresno community mourns the tragic loss of Banwari Godara, loved ones and investigators alike remain determined to ensure his life and story are not forgotten — and that justice is ultimately served.
