Police Find Weapon Tied to Murder of George Sheklian

Two guns stolen from a Fresno firearms store have been recovered by police.

They are potential clues in the murder of 85-year-old George Sheklian.

Sheklian was delivering coffee to the owner of the gun store when he was knocked to the ground as the robbers ran off. He died from severe head injuries.

His family says support from the community has been a tremendous help.

The moment was captured on security cameras when 85-year-old George Sheklian was shoved to the ground by two armed robbers.
They had just held up Fresno Firearms and stolen 13 semi-automatic handguns.

Now two of those guns have been found.
Both in the hands of gang members.
One in Sacramento.
The second in Fresno.

"About two weeks ago MAGEC detectives stopped a car load of west Fresno gang members and again another firearm was recovered that was part of the gun store robbery. Again homicide detectives interviewed them. They denied knowing anything," said Lt. Mark Salazar with Fresno Police.

Police say they are making progress. tips have come in. but no arrests yet.
George’s family still waiting for that call.

"Everyone wants for the persons responsible to get caught, but it’s not going to bring back my dad," George’s son Arsen Sheklian said.

George’s sons and widow now run the shoe repair business he started more than 50 years ago.
They’ve moved to a new location in the shopping center where the old store was located.
And they’ve had a lot of new customers.

People who heard about the family’s tragedy and brought their shoes and purses here for repair.

"It helps out big time," George’s son Arsen "Georgio" Sheklian said.

George’s picture hangs in the shop by the register. The old machines he used to use, nearby.
Son Arsen says the family trying to move forward.

"We’re doing all right. We have our moments. Sometimes I see my mom just pausing and I can tell she’s having a bad day" Arsen said.

But they are finding help and hope from the community around them.

"My dad used to say: I love Fresno. I used to say, ‘Why do you love Fresno?’ And now I know why," Arsen said.

There is a 25-thousand dollar reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. If you have any information, call Fresno Police or Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.