Man dies after being shot in the head in front of family at Reedley Beach

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Action News has learned more about a deadly shooting Sunday night at a popular beach in Reedley. The man who died is Gilberto Alanis, 34, of Selma. Investigators say his sister-in-law was also grazed by a bullet but is OK.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office confirmed the man's identity on Monday, but Reedley police are investigating this case. An autopsy has revealed the victim died of a gunshot wound to his head. Sadly, the shooting happened in front of his family.

Reedley police spent Monday tracking down more witnesses who watched the homicide happen in front of them after the sun went down at Reedley Beach near Cricket Hollow Park.

"What they are reporting is an individual showed up there to the park, some words were exchanged and then gunfire erupted," Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza said.

Garza says it does not appear Alanis knew the suspect prior to arriving at the beach with family and friends for a barbecue. Right now, it's unclear if alcohol or gangs were involved in the fatal shooting. Signs at the beach warn visitors no drinking, drugs or weapons are allowed. Police plan to keep a closer eye on the area over the next few days.

"The beach is safe," Garza said. "We will do some proactive patrolling in the area to ensure that, so we will have some additional patrol down in there and just take some other measures to ensure the safety of our community."

The chief estimates several hundred people were at the beach when the violence unfolded. Police say many families scrambled to get their kids and belongings and leave. On Monday, many were still enjoying the park and beach.

Investigators do have a suspect and car description, but are not releasing these details until all interviews are complete. Investigators are still searching for a motive. Officers have not located any surveillance video.

Sadly, one of the victim's children was present during the deadly shooting.