Three Arrests Made After Downtown Murder Investigation

Photo: Stock Image

Originally Published By: Merced Police Department Facebook Page

“Merced PD Detectives have identified three suspects in the early morning shooting that took place in a downtown parking structure. A 16-year-old was arrested for murder, discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle along with weapons and gang charges. A second 16-year-old was arrested for weapon and gang charges. Marcos Montoya (25) of Merced was arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place and possession of an unregistered firearm.

On October 8, 2022, at approximately 0312 hours, the Merced Police Department received a call for shots fired at the parking structure located at 19th and M St. Officers arrived at the scene which was best described as chaotic. There were numerous people fleeing on foot and in vehicles, some of them armed.

Four people had been shot after a fight broke out and one of them was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased victim was identified as Elyas Jerry Aguilar (18). The three remaining victims were transported to regional trauma centers.

Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to assist with the investigation. It was determined that an exchange of gunfire took place after a 16-year-old fired numerous shots at an occupied vehicle. The other juvenile was arrested after attempting to flee with what detectives believed to be the murder weapon. Montoya was armed during the incident and ended up shooting himself.

The teen arrested for murder is currently being treated for a gunshot wound and will be booked after receiving medical clearance. Montoya and the other juvenile were booked into local jail facilities.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Steven Odom at 209-388-7814 or by email at odoms@cityofmerced.org or Detective Raymond Valadez at 209-388-7829 or by email at valadezr@cityofmerced.org