FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The family of a man killed in a triple shooting at a Central Fresno apartment complex appeared in court Monday as the murder case against the accused gunman moves forward, nearly nine months after the killing.
Nineteen-year-old Danny Lamas appeared before a judge, where his arraignment was postponed for a second time.
"He was my little brother that passed away … Danny took his life," a family member of the victim said in court.
Despite the delay, relatives of 35-year-old Mariano Cabrera filled the courtroom, saying they have waited months for accountability.
"Mariano, he was a great guy. I mean, only if he [Danny] gave him a chance to sit there and listen to him," a family member said.
Fresno police say the shooting occurred in December 2025 at the Pleasant Village Apartments. Investigators allege Lamas approached a group of men before opening fire, striking Cabrera and two others.
Cabrera was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
After months of investigation, police arrested Lamas and charged him with murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Family members said Cabrera had no known connection to the suspect.
"He was never disrespectful to anybody, you know?" a relative said.
Loved ones described Cabrera as a devoted father who leaves behind five children.
"His kids miss him so much, it's hard to explain to them. They're so little. I mean, his youngest baby always says, 'When is Dad gonna come home?' And he's never gonna see him," a family member said.
Relatives also described the broader impact the shooting had on their family, saying Cabrera's older brother struggled with grief following the killing.
"He (Cabrera's older brother) passed away seven months later from depression. They found him in a canal on July 4th. He was missing my little brother," a family member said.
The case remains in its early stages, and Lamas has not yet entered a plea.
He is scheduled to return to court for arraignment on Oct. 21.
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