Merced County Authorities Seek Leads in Atwater Shooting that Claimed Two Lives
ATWATER, CA — “The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in an ongoing investigation.
Shortly after 11 pm on Saturday, July 2nd, Deputies responded to several calls regarding a shooting on Santa Fe Drive near Franklin Road, just outside the Atwater, California, city limits. Callers reported that multiple shots had been fired by suspects in one vehicle, toward four occupants in another vehicle. The shooting tragically resulted in the deaths of 23-year-old Ruben Coronado and 24-year-old Eli Correa. An adult female was also critically injured.
The unknown suspects fled and are still at large.
Suspect Vehicle – Courtesy of MCSO
As part of the investigation, detectives obtained surveillance footage showing a gray/silver SUV connected to the incident. With the help of the community and additional information provided, investigators were able to confirm the vehicle is a silver 2020 MAZDA CX-9.
Detectives now believe the vehicle and suspects have possible ties to Las Vegas.
Photographs included with this release are of the deceased victims and an image of the suspect vehicle captured on video surveillance and a stock image of the vehicle make, model, and color. Authorities are seeking to identify any individuals associated with the vehicle.
‘We believe there are people in the community who may have seen or heard something that could help move this case forward,’ said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. ‘Even the smallest detail could prove important.’
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7445 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463.”
