Fresno State’s Johnson, Girlfriend Killed

Melvin Johnson, a Fresno State offensive lineman from Lynwood, and his girlfriend, Lisa Kelly, were shot and killed in an apparent domestic dispute on Thursday, police said.

Police discovered the bodies of Johnson, 21, and Kelly, 19, at Kelly’s mother’s Fresno apartment. Police are seeking two juveniles in connection with the case, Lt. Roger Enmark said. Police said one of the juveniles was allegedly Kelly’s former boyfriend.

Originally, three brothers were sought in connection with the killings, but the eldest, 26-year-old Tony Phelps, was questioned and released by police late Thursday. His two younger brothers, ages 14 and 15, were still being sought in connection with the deaths.

Police say witnesses claim they saw one of the younger Phelps leaving the scene with a shotgun.

Police reports indicate that one of the juveniles allegedly shot Johnson in the chest with a shotgun in the apartment. Kelly fled the apartment, pleading for her life, according to witnesses. She ran around to the front of the complex where one of the suspects shot her once in the head.

A two-time All-Southern Section offensive lineman at Lynwood High, Johnson was a starter at right guard this season for Fresno State. He was a first-team All-Big West Conference selection and was selected to play in the Hula Bowl in Honolulu next week.

“I don’t feel like the university ever had a greater tragedy than the loss of Melvin Johnson,” Fresno State Coach Jim Sweeney said. “He was like a son to all of us coaches.”

Sweeney expected Johnson to be selected next spring in the NFL draft. “Melvin had what it took to play pro football,” Sweeney said.

The coach added that a memorial service will be scheduled when the team returns to school from the holiday break.