BREAKING: A Central Fresno man, John Gentry, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his neighbor, Mark Tarasevic, marking the city’s 22nd murder this year. Gentry appeared in court on Monday in a bright red jumpsuit, where his public defender, Tina Wong, entered the plea, categorically denying all allegations against him.
The incident unfolded last week, with police responding to a gunshot report near Clinton Avenue and Bond Street last Tuesday. Investigators say Tarasevic, aged 74, succumbed to a single bullet wound to the upper body, prompting authorities to label the case a “neighbor disturbance.”
As the legal proceedings commence, questions arise regarding the circumstances of the shooting. Legal analyst Tony Capozzi speculated, “Was it an argument between the two? Did the victim have a gun, and was this self-defense?” Police confirm the recovery of the murder weapon, heightening the urgency of the investigation.
Capozzi emphasized the importance of forensic analysis, stating, “What needs to be found out is did the police conduct a gunshot residue test on this defendant? Did they check his hands?” The outcome of these tests could be pivotal in determining the course of the case.
During the hearing, Gentry requested a delay in proceedings, leading to a postponement of the preliminary hearing. Fresno County Superior Court Judge Robert Mangano confirmed Gentry’s waiver of the 10-court-day rule but not the 60-court-day rule. “It was a very wise choice by the defense attorney to waive the 10-day limit,” Capozzi noted, citing the ongoing investigation and the holiday season as factors contributing to the delay.
Gentry remains in custody at the Fresno County Jail with a bail set at $1.5 million. He is scheduled to return to court on January 22 and again on February 5 as the legal battle unfolds.
As the community grapples with this tragic event, the investigation continues to develop. For real-time updates on this case, follow news reporter Gabe Ferris on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram.
