An unhoused man in Fresno, California, died after being attacked outside the Fresno Mission on Saturday. The victim, identified as 66-year-old Frank Placencia, was allegedly kicked in the head by another unhoused man, 30-year-old Johnny Hines. The attack occurred after Placencia was accused of touching Hines’ belongings. Hines has been arrested and is currently in custody at the Fresno County Jail. He is expected to face murder charges.
According to witnesses, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, particularly for families with children who have to pass by the location daily. The Fresno Police Department responded to calls of an assault on Saturday night and found Placencia unresponsive with head trauma. He was transported to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Surveillance video played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending Hines. The footage, deemed too graphic for public display, reportedly shows Hines repeatedly stomping and kicking Placencia in the head.
This incident marks the seventh murder involving unhoused individuals in Fresno this year, one more compared to the same period last year. Fresno Mission CEO Matthew Dildine expressed his sadness over Placencia’s passing, noting that the organization had encouraged him to stay at the shelter. However, Placencia chose to leave, ultimately ending up on the streets where the fatal attack occurred.
The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office will review the case on Thursday and may file murder charges against Hines.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy