The killing occurred just south of Valley Children’s Stadium, but authorities have not reported any connection between the shooting and the football game.
FRESNO, Calif. — A man was fatally shot Saturday night near Fresno State as thousands of fans were in the area for the Bulldogs’ football home opener at nearby Valley Children’s Stadium, police said.
Fresno police responded shortly before 10:30 p.m. to reports of shots fired near Ninth Street and Bulldog Lane, an area immediately south of the stadium. The victim was taken to a hospital and later died. His identity had not been released by Monday.
The timing and location placed the homicide near one of Fresno State’s biggest public gatherings of the weekend. The Bulldogs hosted Sacramento State at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and won 49-3 in their first home football game of the season. Police, however, have not said the shooting had any connection to the game, the university or people attending the event.
Authorities have released limited information about the circumstances surrounding the killing. No motive has been announced, police have not released a description of a suspected shooter, and investigators had not confirmed an arrest in the case as of Monday.
A nearby doorbell camera provided investigators and residents with a glimpse of activity in the neighborhood shortly before the gunfire was reported. The recording showed two people wearing black masks approaching a residence at about 10:14 p.m.
The people briefly spoke at the door before turning away. One was heard saying, “It’s not this one.” Neighbors said the pair appeared to have gone to the wrong residence and that police later responded to an apartment a few doors away. Police have not publicly said whether the two people in the recording are suspects or whether the video is directly connected to the homicide.
The investigation continued into Sunday morning. Officers remained at the apartment complex for hours, and crime scene tape was still visible before crews began removing it around 9 a.m.
The location of the shooting drew additional attention because Bulldog Lane runs along the south side of Valley Children’s Stadium and serves nearby apartments and businesses. The homicide happened during the same night as Fresno State’s first home game of the 2026 season, but officials have released no evidence indicating the two events were related.
Police continued Monday to investigate the victim’s death and had not publicly identified a suspect or announced a motive. The victim’s name also remained withheld pending further notification and release by authorities.
Author note: Last updated September 14, 2026.