California police sergeant who gave his life to public service is brutally slain ‘by 21-year-old son’

A California police sergeant who dedicated 30 years of his life to the badge was allegedly stabbed to death by his own son Saturday.

The son of retired Fresno Police Sergeant, 79-year-old Freeman Hunter Jr., killed him just before midnight at a Fresno home.

Police say 21-year-old Freeman Hunter III did not resist when they arrived.

“When we got to the house, we found the suspect there on the scene. He did not try to run or anything. Very compliant.

“Deputies were able to take him into custody,” Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Tony Botti told ABC 30.

Police are unsure what led up to the stabbing, but are looking into a personal dispute as a possibility. “There may have been an argument. Based on the injuries, that would seem plausible,” Botti stated.

Officials attempted lifesaving measures on the former police officer at the Shaw and Grantland Avenue home, but they failed.

Fresno police acknowledged the brutal irony of Hunter Jr.’s long career as a law enforcement officer, just to be allegedly killed by a member of his own family.

“This guy gave his life to one of the most dangerous professions. He was able to survive, go into retirement, only to find that one of his own family members was the biggest threat that took him out, so our condolences go out to the family and the Fresno Police Department,” Botti said.

Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto mourned Hunter Jr.’s death.

“The Fresno Police Department was heartbroken to hear about Sergeant Freeman Hunter’s tragic death, especially those of us who knew him and worked alongside him over the years,” Casto said.

“Sergeant Hunter was hired by the Fresno Police Department on July 1, 1973, and retired on July 8, 2005. He was a well-respected member of the Fresno Police Department and a mentor to both Mayor Dyer and me early in our careers.

“He could always be relied on to provide common-sense, well-thought-out advice, particularly to younger officers and sergeants. Our prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Hunter III has been booked into a Fresno County jail on a felony charge of first-degree murder. His bail section indicated he is eligible to be bailed out of jail, according to inmate records.

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