Above: Alexander Morales file photo | Merced PD
Merced Police have announced the arrest of a third and final suspect wanted in the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Jordan Terrell Love.
According to a press release by the Merced Police Department, detectives have arrested 18-year-old Alexander Xavier Morales in connection with the murder of Love. The arrest took place shortly before 10:30 PM on April 24 at a residence in east Merced. Morales had been wanted by authorities since the shortly after the murder, which occurred just a few days before Christmas on December 21, 2022.
The investigation began when Merced Police received a distress call about an assault on the 1100 block of B Street. Officers responded to the scene and discovered Love, who had sustained multiple stab wounds. He was immediately rushed to a nearby regional trauma center but ultimately passed away as a result of his injuries.
Following intensive efforts by law enforcement, three suspects were identified in the murder of Jordan Terrell Love. Two of them — Jose Joya-Flores (26) and Julius Joya-Flores (22) — have already been apprehended and currently remain in custody. The recent arrest of Alexander Xavier Morales completes the trio believed to be responsible for the heinous crime.
Morales was taken into custody without incident and booked at the Merced County jail. Authorities have not disclosed details regarding the circumstances leading to the arrest, nor any potential motive for the crime. Merced Police Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The Merced Police Department is leading the investigation, and Detective Christian Lupian has been assigned to the case. Individuals with relevant information can contact Detective Lupian at (209) 388-7844 or reach out via email at Lupianc@cityofmerced.org.
Other methods of contacting the Merced Police Department or reporting crime include dialing 9-1-1 in the case of emergencies or, for non-emergencies, calling the main office number at 209-385-6912.
Anonymous, non-emergency tips may be left at 209-385-4725 or online at Merced Area Crime Stoppers.
