Banning Killing Update: Victim ID'd, 2 Persons Of Interest Sought

BANNING, CA — Banning police are asking for the public's help finding two people — one of them considered armed and dangerous — wanted for questioning in connection to a recent homicide. The Banning Police Department says they are looking for Beaumont resident Abel Edward Martinez Jr., 23, and Banning resident Ashley Marie Phillips, 26.

"Detectives from the Banning Police Department have identified two persons of interest in the homicide case and are actively searching for them," police said Wednesday evening.

What's more, police identified the man who was killed on Oct. 7 as Mark Anthony Fisher. Fisher, a resident of Banning, was just 25.

Police say that they received word of "shots fired" around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 and responded to the 1200 block of Wyte Way, which is in the area of West Gilman and North 8th streets. There, they found Fisher with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he died a short time later.

Loved ones have started a fundraiser to help cover expenses related to Fisher's memorial service. The man, who was "loved by so many," leaves behind two children, according to the Facebook fundraiser.

Anyone who may know where the two persons of interest are located is asked to call 911.

"The Banning Police Department urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of Martinez or Phillips to contact 9-1-1 immediately," police said. "Abel Martinez is to be considered armed and dangerous."