CHOWCHILLA - On Monday June 25, 2018 at approximately 11:15pm, officers of the Chowchilla Police Department responded to a stabbing in the 1100 block of Humboldt Ave. Upon arrival officers contacted the victim who was identified as, 39 year old, Chowchilla Resident, Leeshawn Sykes.
It was discovered that Sykes had a stab wound, to his lower right chest area. Officers immediately began providing first aid and Sykes was transported to the closest area Trauma Center in Fresno, CA. by paramedics. At approximately 1:30 am, the Chowchilla Police Department was advised by medical staff, that Leeshawn Sykes had succumbed to his injury.
The investigation to this death immediately began, and early Tuesday morning, detectives were contacted by concerned citizens with a possible lead regarding the incident. The leads were followed and further investigations and interviews were conducted. As a result, within 16 hours of the death, the suspect was taken into custody.
This arrest was made possible with the assistance from the Madera Police Department Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Detectives from the Madera County Narcotics Enforcement Team (MADNET) and the Chowchilla Police Department. The suspect was identified as, 18 year old Madera resident and known “Norteno” gang member Michael Aquino. Aquino was booked into the Madera County Department of Corrections for murder.
This is an active and ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Sgt. Denny at the Chowchilla Police Department phone number (559)-665-8600.
