Fresno Police Seek Leads in 2017 Killing of John Graves as State Announces Reward

FRESNO — October 26, 2026. A new appeal by California’s governor has drawn statewide attention to an unsolved homicide in Fresno. The October 23 announcement covers multiple cases across six counties and says rewards are available for qualifying information leading to an arrest and conviction. This report concerns a renewed appeal, not a new crime committed this week.

What authorities have confirmed about John Graves

In 2017, John Graves, 27, was fatally shot while stopped at a traffic light near Clinton Avenue and First Street, according to the governor’s October 23 release. The state says police reported that another vehicle pulled alongside his car before the shooting. Graves was a father of three and worked at the family automotive upholstery business.

The state announcement also notes a separate $3,000 offer by Central Valley Crime Stoppers. Such a local offer should not be confused with the broader Governor’s Reward Program or added to a state figure without checking applicable terms and conditions.

How to submit information

Anyone who may have relevant facts can contact the Fresno Police Department, Sergeant Leyva at 559-621-2440. In an emergency, call 911 instead of using an investigative tip line. People should not attempt to investigate independently, approach anyone they suspect, or publicly circulate unverified allegations.

The $300,000 cited in the state announcement refers to the broader group of unsolved investigations; it is not necessarily a reward amount applicable to every individual tip. Conditions of eligibility and whether information qualifies for a reward are decided under the official program’s rules.

Primary source: California governor’s official rewards announcement dated October 23, 2026. California58’s statewide overview provides context on the other cases. The newsroom has not conducted a separate interview with the affected families.

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