Fresno Store Owner Killed in Shooting Remembered by Community

As Fresno police continue to investigate Monday night’s murder in southeast Fresno and look for those responsible, hundreds of community members gathered to remember the victim as a well-liked and well-known store owner of the Church Market.

The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Abdulfattah Saleh, 23.

Saleh was found shot multiple times while sitting in a Range Rover. 

It happened after 9 p.m. in front of the Maple Grove apartments in the area of Maple and Florence in southeast Fresno.

Tuesday evening, hundreds of people who knew the victim gathered in front of the store he owned.

"People from different places, from different areas come and everyone knew him, and he was always nice," said Michelle Valencia, who said she visited the story since she was a young girl.

The site where Saleh was found shot is just up the street from his store, where long-time customer Patricia Bundy said she laughed and joked with him at his store just an hour before he was killed.

"Then I go home and I hear this loud bang–go running out there in the front and he’s in front of my parking lot on the ground," Bundy said.

Hundreds of community members dropped off candles and flowers in front of his store.

Several people said he was more like family who helped everyone in need.

"My mom passed away last year, and you know what–he helped with the funeral. He told us, make whatever you guys can, and I’ll cover the rest," said Victoria Servantes, who said she knew Saleh for the last 17 years.

Earlier in the day, police served a search warrant at the market for surveillance video looking into the possibility of the murder being connected to a shooting last summer involving the market.

"We got information that maybe there was a prior disturbance with the victim and someone else. We do know that there’s been drugs related to that victim and [we’re] seeing if that played a role in this murder yet or not," said Lt. Mark Salazar with the Fresno Police Department.

But those who visited the store daily and knew the victim for years said Saleh befriended all types of people and liked to put smiles on his customers’ faces.

"He was pure of mind and pure of heart–wouldn’t offend you. He was real respectful. God knows why the did what they did to him," said Juan Rios, who said he went to high school with Saleh.

Police are investigating whether the murder was gang related. No arrests have been made so far.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Fresno Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP to remain anonymous.