Nephew charged for allegedly fatally attacking aunt with machete at plant nursery
04/16/2026 11:12 am PDT
FRESNO, Calif. (TCN) -- A man has been booked into jail on several charges, including murder, after allegedly attacking two women at a plant nursery.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies responded to the Sago Rey Palms Plant Nursery on April 5 after receiving a report that a man was attacking people with a machete. Arriving deputies ordered 29-year-old Nicolas Arriaga to drop the weapon. He reportedly did so but then allegedly charged toward the officers and fought them until they placed him in handcuffs.
Two victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. One was released the same day, but Arriaga’s 64-year-old aunt, Maria Salud Banda Wash, died on April 13. According to the sheriff’s office, Arriaga allegedly also tried to attack a man who was able to get away.
Banda Wash was the owner of the plant nursery, according to the sheriff’s office.
Arriaga was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and resisting arrest. He remains behind bars with bail set at $2.21 million, according to KMPH.
The investigation is ongoing.
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