Fatal Shooting in Fresno: 23-Year-Old Woman Identified as Jessinya Mina Dies After Apparent Gunshot Wound; Police Investigate Possible Accidental Discharge Involving Toddler”
FRESNO, CA — A young woman tragically lost her life following a shooting incident that unfolded on the evening of December 8, 2024, in the 5200 block of North Fresno Street. Fresno Police officers responded swiftly to reports of a shooting just before 5:30 p.m., finding a woman in her 20s—later identified as 23-year-old Jessinya Mina—suffering from a gunshot wound near the entrance of an apartment complex. Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical professionals, Mina succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to a local hospital.
Initial Discovery and Emergency Response
According to Fresno Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Claudia Martinez, officers arrived on the scene within minutes of receiving the 911 call. Mina was discovered near the complex entrance, slumped against a parked vehicle. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic environment, with neighbors and passersby trying to assist before police arrived.
Dispatch audio from the 911 call hinted at a chilling possibility: a toddler might have accidentally discharged a firearm, striking Mina. However, police officials have emphasized that this detail remains unconfirmed and under active investigation. “We are considering all possibilities, including an accidental discharge or potential negligence involving a firearm,” Sgt. Martinez stated during a press briefing.
Officers immediately performed life-saving measures on Mina, including CPR and the application of pressure to her wound. Paramedics transported her to Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead despite extensive efforts to stabilize her condition.
Details of the Shooting
Investigators believe the shooting occurred inside one of the apartments within the gated complex, though specific details about the incident remain scarce. Police cordoned off the area and secured a perimeter to begin collecting evidence.
A vehicle parked near the entrance, thought to have been used in an attempt to transport Mina to the hospital before officers arrived, is being examined for fingerprints and other forensic evidence. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance footage from the apartment complex and surrounding businesses to establish a clearer timeline.
Community Shock and Victim’s Identity
The tragic death of Jessinya Mina has sent shockwaves through the local community. Friends and neighbors described Mina as a vibrant and compassionate individual with a bright future ahead of her. “She was a kind soul, always smiling and helping others,” said neighbor Elena Cruz, who had known Mina for several years. “This loss is devastating, not just for her family, but for everyone who knew her.”
Mina’s family has requested privacy as they grapple with the sudden and profound loss of their loved one. Her uncle, Carlos Medina, spoke briefly to reporters, expressing the family’s hope for answers and justice. “Jessinya was full of life, and now that life is gone. We just want to know what happened and make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
Focus on the Firearm and Toddler Involvement
A central focus of the investigation is the firearm involved in the incident. Police have not disclosed the type of weapon or how it came into the possession of the individuals at the scene. Investigators are also working to determine whether the firearm was legally owned and if proper safety measures were in place.
The suggestion that a toddler may have been involved has intensified public scrutiny of gun safety practices. Child involvement in firearm-related incidents, though rare, often results from unsecured weapons being accessible in homes. Police have not released information about any children present at the time of the shooting or their relationship to the victim.
Homicide Investigation Underway
Detectives with the Fresno Police Department’s Homicide Unit have taken over the case, emphasizing that all possibilities—from accidental discharge to foul play—are being explored. Forensic teams are meticulously examining the apartment where the shooting occurred, as well as the vehicle found near Mina. Items of interest collected so far include the firearm in question, spent shell casings, and blood evidence.
“Determining the circumstances leading up to this tragedy is our highest priority,” Sgt. Martinez explained. “This is a complex case that will require careful examination of evidence, witness interviews, and potentially ballistic analysis.”
Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. “We believe someone out there may have seen or heard something that could help us piece together what happened,” Sgt. Martinez said.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Fresno Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP, or witnesses may contact the Fresno Police Department directly at (559) 621-7000.
Broader Implications of Gun Safety
This incident has reignited conversations around firearm safety, particularly in households where children are present. Advocates stress the importance of securing firearms in lockboxes or safes and using trigger locks to prevent unauthorized access.
“Every year, hundreds of preventable tragedies occur because firearms are not stored securely,” said Patricia Nolan, a spokesperson for the California Firearm Safety Coalition. “This is a stark reminder that even one mistake can have fatal consequences.”
Community Response and Vigil
The community has responded to Mina’s death with an outpouring of grief and support for her family. A candlelight vigil is being organized by local residents and friends to honor her memory. The vigil will be held at the apartment complex where the incident occurred, with participants encouraged to bring candles and flowers.
“This is a time for us to come together and support one another,” said organizer Maria Gonzalez. “Jessinya’s life mattered, and we want her family to know they are not alone.”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Considerations
As the investigation progresses, authorities have refrained from speculating about potential charges. If negligence is determined to have played a role, individuals responsible for the firearm’s accessibility could face criminal charges under California law, which imposes penalties for unsafe storage of firearms when children are involved.
Fresno Police have pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available. For now, the community waits anxiously for clarity on what led to the untimely death of Jessinya Mina—a young woman whose loss will be felt deeply by all who knew her.
