The woman accused in a late-August shooting in Fresno’s Fig Garden neighborhood is now behind bars.
On Monday, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Wilson ordered Jennifer Cedano into custody as she pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including assault and residential burglary.
Shooting Details
Prosecutors say Cedano, wearing full tactical gear, shot and injured a 64-year-old bystander near a transitional housing facility.
“Ultimately, the target was her nephew, who she believed had inappropriately touched her daughter,” Deputy District Attorney Rachel Baskin told the court.
Officials say Cedano admitted to key parts of the crime. At one point during the hearing, she nodded along as prosecutors outlined the allegations.
“She felt like they all must have been pedophiles, so she was justified in shooting him,” Baskin said.
Neighbors Voice Concerns
The shooting took place near Centers for Living, a faith-based transitional housing program in Fig Garden that has drawn scrutiny from nearby residents.
Neighbor Beverly Raine said issues at the home have been ongoing.
“Since they have moved in there several years ago, you’ll see more gates have been put up and more security cameras,” Raine explained.
“I was surprised it took this long for something like that to happen, quite frankly, because there have been issues ongoing there ever since that house has opened.”
Sheriff’s investigators confirmed the facility is well known to law enforcement. In March, a registered sex offender living there was arrested on internet-related crimes.
Facility Responds
In a statement, Centers for Living CEO John Coyle expressed sorrow over the incident but stressed that violence of this nature is rare across their seven Fresno County homes.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent incident and are grateful for the quick response of law enforcement. By God’s grace, no one was seriously hurt,” Coyle said.
Coyle emphasized that the nonprofit works with churches and partner agencies to ensure accountability and safety.
“Clients do not walk up to or from our properties; all intakes are coordinated in advance,” he added.
“We remain committed to being good neighbors and to partnering with local leaders to promote safety, stability, love and hope in the communities where we operate.”
What’s Next
Cedano is working to retain a private attorney as her case moves forward. She is due back in court next week for the first of two key hearings. Her public defender indicated the case may go to trial.
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