Merced police chief's son-in-law arrested in man's death

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The son-in-law of Merced Police Chief Norman Andrade has been arrested on charges of manslaughter in connection with a man's death, according to authorities.

Jesse Saucido, 36, of Merced, was taken into custody on Friday.

Merced police say back on March 21 there was an argument over noise during a comedian's performance at the Merced Theatre. Detectives believe Saucido punched Jack Kline, 55, of Atwater. Kline was taken to a Modesto hospital where he was treated and released. He died on April 9.

The Merced County Coroner's Office completed a report last week which states that Kline's death was attributed to injuries sustained during the March 21 incident, police said.

"Upon learning of the incident, the Chief immediately recused himself from the case. Chief Andrade did not participate in, nor oversee any of the personnel involved in the investigation," the Merced Police Department said in a statement on Friday.

The case will be turned over to the Merced County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Paul Johnson at (209) 388-7742, or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Veronica Miracle.