California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto have announced an arrest in connection with the 2016 homicide of Gurcharan Singh Gill, a 68-year-old man who was killed while working at a convenience store in Central Fresno. The arrest was made possible by a latent print match provided by the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
Attorney General Bonta expressed pride in the forensic team's efforts, stating, "We are hopeful that this arrest will bring justice and closure to this devastating case. Thank you to our partners at the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. This arrest proves that when we work together, we get results."
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto highlighted the significance of collaboration in solving the case, stating that the DOJ's involvement was crucial, "from their initial response to the crime scene the night of the murder, to the relentless work of their forensic experts that was instrumental in identifying our suspect through latent print analysis — a breakthrough that revived a 2016 homicide investigation."
Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney, commented on the impact of the case and the ongoing pursuit of justice. "Mr. Gill was the victim of a senseless and violent act, and for nearly a decade, his family has carried the weight of unanswered questions," she said. She announced that criminal charges have been filed, and noted, "We will continue to pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of how much time has passed."
The incident occurred on New Year's Day in 2016, when an unknown suspect entered the convenience store where Mr. Gill was working, assaulted him, and robbed the store. The DOJ processed the crime scene for evidence, obtaining latent prints and DNA but initially finding no matches.
The breakthrough came when the suspect was recently arrested in Stanislaus County, and his palm prints were matched with prints from the crime scene. He was located in the Modesto area and has been arrested, with the case now being prosecuted by the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.