Cheryl Hanoian and James McFarland, a 78-year-old woman and her 60-year-old son, have been identified as the two fatalities discovered inside their residence in Fowler.

Cheryl Hanoian and James McFarland, a 78-year-old woman and her 60-year-old son, have been identified as the two fatalities discovered inside their residence in Fowler.
The tragic death of Cheryl Hanoian and James McFarland occurred in a homicide-suicide incident in Fowler.

Fowler law enforcement announced on Wednesday that they are treating the situation as a murder-suicide, with James McFarland identified as the suspect and Cheryl Hanoian as the victim.

According to Fowler Police Chief Greg Gularte, officers were dispatched to a home on Citrus and South avenues following a report of an assault involving a deadly weapon at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The initial call was received from a woman who informed authorities that a family member had allegedly shot the homeowner, planned to shoot the dogs, and intended to take his own life.

Upon entering the property, responding officers encountered the bodies of both victims alongside multiple deceased animals.

Chief Gularte stated that the incident is isolated and has been transferred to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.