Fresno Nursery Owner Succumbs to Injuries Following Machete Attack by Nephew

Authorities in Fresno, California, have upgraded charges against 29-year-old Nicolas Arriaga to murder following the death of his 64-year-old aunt, Maria Salud Banda Wash. The incident occurred on April 5 at the Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery, which was owned by the victim. Deputies arrived at the scene to find Arriaga wielding a machete and attacking individuals on the property. After a brief standoff where the suspect reportedly charged at law enforcement, officers successfully subdued and arrested him.

Banda Wash passed away on April 13 after spending over a week in the hospital. A second woman injured during the assault received medical treatment and was discharged shortly after the attack, while a third individual managed to escape unharmed. Arriaga currently faces a series of severe charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting arrest. He remains in custody at the Fresno County jail with his bail set at $2.21 million as the investigation into the motive behind the violence continues.