BREAKING: In a startling turn of events, John Gentry, a Central Fresno resident, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his neighbor, Mark Tarasevic, during a court appearance today. The incident marks the city’s 22nd murder this year, prompting serious concerns among local residents.
Gentry, appearing in a red jumpsuit, faced a judge on Monday, October 23, 2023, where his public defender, Tina Wong, declared, “Enter not guilty pleas at this time, denying all allegations.” The courtroom was tense as the implications of the case hang heavily over the community.
Authorities report that police responded to a gunshot report near Clinton Avenue and Bond Street last week, where they found Tarasevic, aged 74, with a fatal bullet wound to the upper body. Investigators labeled the incident as a “neighbor disturbance,” raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Legal analysts are now speculating on the case’s details. Tony Capozzi, Action News Legal Analyst, questioned if an argument triggered the violence and whether self-defense could be a factor. “Did the victim have a gun? Was this self-defense?” he asked, highlighting the complexities of the case.
Authorities have confirmed that they recovered the murder weapon from the crime scene, but the investigation is ongoing. Capozzi emphasized the importance of gathering more evidence, including whether police conducted gunshot residue tests on Gentry. “Did they check his hands? Did it compare to the gun that was found?” he inquired.
During the hearing, Gentry requested a delay, pushing back the critical preliminary hearing where prosecutors will present their case. Fresno County Superior Court Judge Robert Mangano confirmed Gentry’s decision to waive the 10-day limit for the preliminary hearing, stating, “Your attorney had indicated that you will be waiving the 10-court-day rule.”
Capozzi noted that this delay could benefit the defense team, allowing time for police reports to be completed, especially with the holiday season approaching. Gentry is set to return to court for further proceedings on January 22 and again on February 5. He remains incarcerated at the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $1.5 million.
As the investigation unfolds and the community grapples with this tragic event, residents are urged to stay informed about the latest developments in this alarming case. For real-time updates, follow Gabe Ferris on social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram.
