Merced County family pleads for help to find man's killer
MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A North Valley family is searching for answers after a young man was murdered at the bar where he used to work as a bouncer.
A photo shows Ishmael Escalante joking with loved ones as he helped decorate his grandmother's house for Christmas. It was taken just days before his murder.
"To us, it's kind of like Christmas is over. We can't imagine celebrating, especially with his funeral services being Friday before Christmas," said Deanna Escalante, the victim's aunt.
The 24-year-old was shot while standing outside La Hacienda bar in Merced last Sunday night. Police say he ran inside and collapsed by the pool table, but the gunman kept firing from the doorway before running away.
"There's no words because he was such a big part in all our lives," Deanna said. "He was raised like a little brother to us. The pain is just unimaginable."
Deanna Escalante says her nephew graduated from Dos Palos High School and worked as a bouncer at La Hacienda for about a year and a half. He had recently quit and was considering a career in law enforcement. Family members are hoping someone will come forward with information about the person who killed him. Detectives say the suspect was wearing dark clothes with his face covered, and the motive is still unknown.
"I don't even think we can start the grieving process until we know why?" Deanna said. "There's no good reason to do this to somebody, but why?"
Deanna is now planning her nephew's final services at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel at 11 a.m. on December 19 with the help of donations made through a GoFundMe account.
"To the people that already helped us, I just want to say from the bottom of my heart that they don't understand how much it means to us," Deanna said.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Det. Joe Deliman at (209) 385-6992. Tips can also be left on the Merced Police automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Tips are kept confidential and you can remain anonymous.
