“Feels like a dream, or like a nightmare, like I want him to call me and tell me he’s just joking,” said the heartbroken daughter of 38-year-old Perry Paul Espinosa.
Espinosa’s family gathered outside a Southwest Fresno Home Friday afternoon, remembering a man who meant so much to so many.
Fresno Police say Espinosa was shot around 10 p.m. Thursday while visiting family on Samson Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
His wife, Cortazya McClendon, told Action News their family lives in Texas, and Espinosa was visiting family in Fresno to discuss plans to renovate his grandmother’s home.
She flew to California overnight when she heard the tragic news.
“He was my everything,” McClendon said.
McClendon asked that we not show her on camera, but provided us with pictures of her family.
Espinosa can be seen standing proudly with his wife and children.
He was a father of four, but his family called him a mentor to many others.
Espinosa ran his own trucking business back in Texas.
His oldest son, Paul Jr., now hopes to carry his father’s strength with him in the future.
“He taught me about being a man, how to work hard, and just don’t quit and don’t give up, and don’t be lazy. And provide for my family,” the young man said.
More than 20 people gathered outside the home to support the four children now left without a father.
They spoke of him highly, as a family man who dedicated his life to helping others.
“Probably made him tired or whatever, he still did what he had to do to provide and take care of his family. He was a loving man, a loving father, I know everybody miss him. We all miss him,” said one of the victim’s cousins.
As Fresno Police begin their search for Espinosa’s killer, his wife with this message:
“You robbed us. And you’ll have your day, and I hope you get it soon.”
This is Fresno’s second homicide in the past week with no arrests made in either case.
Fresno Police are expected to provide an update early next week.