Authorities on the lookout for Merced County murder suspect

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Atwater police have now identified a wanted murder suspect as 19-year-old Eric Cruz.

They say he is a gang member who should be considered armed and dangerous. Cruz is accused of stabbing 18-year-old Sergio Avelar to death at the Applegate Inn last Saturday.

The attack was the first homicide of the year in Merced County.