December 20, 2025 — An aggravated battery investigation in Clovis has been elevated to a homicide after the victim died Friday afternoon, according to the Clovis Police Department.
Police confirmed that 37-year-old Geoffrey Bernardi of Clovis passed away at a local hospital after sustaining severe injuries during an early-morning assault on Thursday, Dec. 18. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified Bernardi later Friday.
Officers were dispatched just before 1 a.m. on Dec. 18 to the Dry Creek canal near the intersection of Barstow and Peach avenues after receiving a report of a battery. Upon arrival, officers located Bernardi in the canal south of Barstow Avenue, between Peach and Willow avenues. He appeared to have been severely beaten, and no other individuals were found at the scene.
Bernardi was transported to a hospital in critical condition, where he remained until his death.
Detectives and crime scene personnel spent several hours at the scene Thursday morning and have continued to follow up on evidence and leads. Police said the suspect remains unknown and outstanding.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area between midnight and 1 a.m., or who has information related to the incident, to come forward. Police are also interested in speaking with residents or businesses that may have security camera footage from the area during that time.
This marks Clovis’ third homicide of 2025.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP. Tips may be submitted anonymously through the free “Clovis Police” mobile app or by calling the Clovis Police Department Crime Tip Line at (559) 324-2459.