Former Fresno DA Ed Hunt dies

As the D.A. for twenty years, from 1993-2002, hunt was a popular and integral member of the community.  His friends say he truly loved Fresno.  It was his mission to make it a better place.  Hunt was current District Attorney Elizabeth Egan's boss in the 1990's, and her mentor.

“He'd say our job is not to seek vengeance, our job is to seek justice,” said Egan.

When Fresno's crime was at an all time high, Hunt fought to protect residents by ramping up efforts against drugs and gangs.  He hand-picked Pete Chavez from the Fresno County Sheriff's Department to be an investigator for the D.A.'s office.  Chavez remembers one big case they worked for two years.

“The Dana Ewell, Joel Radovcich case.  That case came over from the sheriff's team.  Ed assembled a team; there were five of us on the team,” said Chavez.

Hunt also played a role in passing the Three Strikes law.

“His vote was the crucial vote that actually sent Three Strikes into the endorsement column of the district attorney's association,” said Mike Reynolds, author of Three Strikes.

One thing Egan says many people didn't know about Hunt is how gentle he was behind the tough exterior.

“No one knows he used to walk around with a puppy, trying to find a home for a stray puppy.  Ed Hunt.  He had a big heart.  Part of the bravado was shielding and sheltering his big heart,” said Egan.

Hunt also faced a very public battle with alcoholism.  He was cited twice for drinking and driving, but Egan says even during the hard times, he took responsibility for his actions and accepted his punishment.

Hunt was 69 years old.  Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.