FRESNO, Calif. — A tragic shooting at a local barbershop has left a family mourning the loss of a father who was fatally shot over the weekend while with his two young sons. Jampier Quintero, 44, died in an act of apparent random violence that shattered an otherwise ordinary family outing to get haircuts before Easter.
Quintero, his family recently immigrated to the United States from Venezuela, seeking asylum and a better life. His death has echoed deeply within the Fresno community and beyond, as neighbors and friends recall his commitment to his family and his hardworking nature.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing scene at Los Viejones Barber Shop on the corner of Belmont and Van Ness avenues where the incident occurred just after 5 p.m. Saturday. The gunman, according to police, started shooting inside the barbershop while draped in a barber’s cape. The assailant continued his assault as he left the building, targeting individuals in the parking lot where Quintero and his sons were present.
Gabriella Quintero, the victim’s wife, spoke about the devastating impact the event had on her children. She recounted the trauma experienced by her sons, ages 5 and 11, who witnessed their father’s demise firsthand. The younger son, she mentioned, fell to his knees in distress, sustaining minor injuries.
Three individuals were struck by gunfire during the event. Fresno police have identified the other victims as a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old, who they believe were the intended targets of the shooter.
Lt. Paul Cervantes of the Fresno Police stated that while the motive behind the shooting is being investigated, there is no evidence suggesting that Quintero had any gang affiliations. He emphasized the random nature of Quintero’s death, underscoring the tragedy of an innocent man caught in violence.
Nancy, a neighbor who knew Quintero well, lamented the loss, praising his contributions to the community and describing him as a role model for immigrants. She emphasized his dedication to his family and to creating a positive life in America.
Despite the immensity of her loss, Gabriella expressed a heartfelt forgiveness towards the perpetrator, based on her late husband’s values. She shared that her husband was a man of deep faith who believed in forgiveness, hoping that the shooter would find reconciliation.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe account has been established to support the Quintero family during this time of unimaginable grief. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and expressing condolences for their loss. Meanwhile, the gunman remains at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police described the suspect as a young man in his early 20s with dark hair.
The incident has left a significant impact on the local community, with residents and law enforcement alike calling for justice and increased measures to ensure public safety. As the Quintero family mourns the loss of a beloved father and husband, their story is a poignant reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can abruptly alter lives.