New lead emerges in nearly decade-old Selma homicide

Authorities release vehicle details tied to 2017 shooting death of 15-year-old Desiree Austin

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh, direct camera flash in a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A new lead in the nearly decade-old homicide of 15-year-old Desiree Austin provides hope for closure to her grieving mother.Fresno Today

A new lead has emerged in the nearly decade-old homicide of 15-year-old Desiree Austin in Selma, California. Desiree was killed in a 2017 drive-by shooting, and her mother Lydia Magaña has been searching for answers ever since. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office has now released details about a vehicle they believe may be connected to the case, including a description and license plate number.

Why it matters

This case has remained unsolved for nearly 10 years, leaving Desiree's mother Lydia without closure. The new lead provides hope that the perpetrator may finally be identified and held accountable, which could bring some peace to the grieving family. Gun violence and unsolved homicides have a deep impact on local communities.

The details

On August 31, 2017, Desiree Austin, a 15-year-old Selma High School sophomore, was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting in front of a friend's home. Authorities say Desiree was hit by gunfire and rushed to a local hospital, where she later died. Nearly a decade later, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office has revealed a new lead in the case, releasing details about a blue 2002 Buick Rendezvous with a California license plate 7-E-D-R-7-4-7 that may be connected to the shooting. Witnesses reported seeing a female driver and a male passenger in the vehicle.

  • Desiree Austin was killed in a drive-by shooting on August 31, 2017.
  • The Fresno County Sheriff's Office revealed the new lead in the case on April 18, 2026, nearly 9 years after the incident.

The players

Lydia Magaña

Desiree Austin's mother, who has been searching for answers in her daughter's homicide for nearly a decade.

Desiree Austin

A 15-year-old Selma High School sophomore who was fatally shot in a 2017 drive-by shooting.

Fresno County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating Desiree Austin's homicide and has now released new details about a vehicle that may be connected to the case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's not going to bring her back, but it'll give me some kind of peace.”

— Lydia Magaña, Desiree Austin's mother

“I miss her everyday and she was a part of my world and I feel I don't have anything because she's gone.”

— Lydia Magaña, Desiree Austin's mother

“She looked so much in shock, she wasn't saying nothing to me. I just told her to keep her eyes on me and to keep breathing.”

— Desiree's friend

What’s next

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the blue 2002 Buick Rendezvous or the shooting to come forward and contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the lasting impact of gun violence on local communities and the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims and their families. Desiree's mother Lydia's unwavering commitment to finding answers after nearly a decade is an inspiring example of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.