Fresno Leader

Homicide detectives from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office have apprehended two suspects in connection with the murder of two men from Reedley. The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Jonathan Morales Ramos from Soledad, California, and 26-year-old Erik Madrigal Garcia from Orosi, face charges related to the incident.

Garcia has been detained at the Fresno County Jail on a felony murder charge. Ramos is currently serving time for a separate crime at Salinas Valley Prison. He will be transferred to Fresno County Jail to face a murder charge once his current sentence is completed.

The case dates back to January 23, 2016, when authorities responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle near E. Dinuba and Crawford Avenues, east of Reedley. A motorist had reported seeing a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu parked awkwardly on the roadside with its headlights and engine running. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two men inside the car who had been fatally shot. The victims were later identified as Alfonso Barbosa, 31, and Fray Martin Rodriguez, 29, both residents of Reedley.

Investigations revealed that the murders were not random acts but targeted due to gang-related activities involving the victims. Detectives eventually identified Ramos and Garcia as responsible for these murders.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information about this case to contact Detective Galindo at (559) 600-8215 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or visit www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Informants can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward by referencing case #16-1233.