Gavin Newsom and Fresno DA Spar Over Killing of Selma Officer

A Selma police officer who was shot and killed by a suspect Tuesday has been identified as 24-year-old Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. He had worked for the Selma Police Department in Fresno County for two years.

Par for the course, Carrasco’s death has already sparked a battle over criminal justice reform. Carrasco’s suspected killer, Nathaniel Dixon, had a lengthy criminal history but was out on probation under the state’s prison realignment law, AB 109.

"Governor Gavin Newsom, and every legislator in the state of California who supports this over-reaching phenomenon they try to disguise as legitimate criminal justice reform, has the blood of this officer on their hands," an angry Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said Tuesday.

Newsom shot back, telling Smittcamp she should be ashamed of herself and that she needs to take “a look in the mirror."  

Smittcamp took the feud even further Friday, calling the Governor a "menace to public safety." She has pointed the finger at both AB 109 and Proposition 57, which allows some offenders to obtain early release.

As elected officials spar, hearts in Selma are broken beyond repair. 

"My heart just goes out to the family of Officer Carrasco and I hope they find comfort soon in knowing that their son died doing what he enjoyed doing," said the police chief of neighboring Reedley, Joe Garza.  

Selma’s city manager is working closely with relatives on a memorial service that will take place later this month. A fund has also been set up for the family. Donations can be sent to the following address: 

Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association 

C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund

1360 Van Ness Avenue

Fresno, Ca 93721