The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced on Apr. 14 that Nicolas Arriaga, age 29, has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal stabbing incident that occurred at Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery in Fresno. The incident took place just before 4:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Authorities said deputies responded to a report of a disturbance involving an armed man attacking multiple people with a machete at the nursery located at 6700 E. Central Ave. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Arriaga, who was still holding the weapon. After being ordered to drop the machete, Arriaga allegedly charged toward deputies and resisted arrest until he was subdued and handcuffed. Several deputies suffered minor injuries during the altercation.
The sheriff’s office reported that two female victims were injured in the attack. A 64-year-old woman identified as Maria Salud Banda Wash, owner of Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery and aunt of the suspect, sustained critical upper body injuries and later died in hospital on April 13th. A second victim, a 46-year-old woman who attempted to defend herself, received treatment for hand injuries and was released from hospital later that night.
Investigators also determined that Arriaga tried to attack another man at the scene who managed to escape unharmed. The sheriff’s office described this as an isolated incident involving family members.
Arriaga has been booked into jail with bail set at $2.21 million and faces charges including 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.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Jose Leon or Detective Michael Sasso at the numbers provided by the sheriff’s office or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
