A mother shot to death in an apparent domestic violence incident was identified Friday by the San Diego Police Department as Julia Serrano, 29.
Several 911 callers reported hearing a loud argument between Serrano and the father of her two children, Fernando Avila, 28, in the 3800 block of 46th Street in the Fairmont Village area shortly before 5:30 a.m. Thursday, followed by a gunshot, according to San Diego police.
Acting Lt. Michelle Velovich said at least three witnesses also reported seeing the man shoot the victim. When officers arrived, they found Serrano lying on a sidewalk in front of a pawnshop with a single gunshot wound to her chest.
Avila was arrested near the scene, and officers seized a gun in the area. He has been booked in the county jail on a first-degree murder charge.
“Domestic violence can affect anyone,” Velovich said. “There are resources available for anyone who experiences, witnesses or hears about domestic abuse. We encourage everyone to seek assistance from the San Diego Family Justice Center.”
Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the homicide unit at (619) 531-2239 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
— Staff report
