Woman shot and killed by boyfriend in Merced County home, deputies say

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- New details are emerging about a suspect accused of shooting and killing a woman in Merced.

The Merced County Sheriff's office has identified 18-year-old Gerardo Jimenez Beltran as the suspect who shot and killed the 19-year-old woman on Sunday.

The woman's name has not yet been released by authorities, but several friends have identified her as Soledad Orozco.

Friends describe Orozco as a happy young lady who was always smiling.

They say Orozco's sudden death has her loved ones, especially her father, mourning a significant loss.

"When we responded, the female victim was already deceased and in and around the area, we located multiple firearms as well," said Investigation Sergeant Clint Landrum.

He said Jimenez-Beltran was on probation in Merced County.

"He wasn't supposed to have guns. This happened with guns when, theoretically, he should've never been in possession of," said Landrum.

One of the weapons investigators found was a ghost gun.

Landrum said the two were dating, and investigators believe she lived at the residence part-time with Jimenez-Beltran.

Authorities are still trying to determine what led up to the shooting.

Friends have started a GoFundMe to help Soledad's family during this challenging time.

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If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.