Merced sees 3 homicides in less than 3 weeks to start 2026

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- In just the first 19 days of the year, five people have been shot and three of those were killed in the city of Merced.

"The violence has to stop here," a mourner said. "It's not fair for us parents. Not just parents, but the community, to continue to deal with death."

Family and friends left in shock and mourning around memorials on 13th and G streets, where police say two 15-year-old boys were shot and killed Monday night.

"It's not fair we have to bury our own kids now," a mourner stated.

Merced Police say this incident is not gang-related.

"We're still looking at witnesses and video surveillance to identify a suspect in this case," Merced Police Sgt. Christian Lupian said.

Monday's fatal shooting marks the second and third homicides so far this year for the city.

"It feels like there are more shootings going on. However, they've actually gone down," Sgt. Lupian explained.

Just a few days ago, on Saturday night, 23-year-old Angel Barrios was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on Austin near Olive Avenue.

"We believe our victim was standing on the front porch of a friend's house. There were several individuals who approached, and all opened fire on the victim," Sgt. Lupian explained.

Police say Saturday's fatal shooting is gang-related and could be connected to the January 2 shooting that injured two men.

"Just rival gangs shooting back and forth at each other," Sgt. Lupian explained.

The night of January 2, two Little Caesars Pizza employees were taking out the trash near G and 16th streets when a car drove up, and someone inside began firing.

Both victims were shot and taken to a Modesto area hospital by helicopter.

Police say the pair is now out of the hospital and recovering.

"There are two suspects we have in custody for that investigation. We are still looking into additional suspects," Sgt. Lupian stated.

Police say one of those suspects is 17 years old, and the other is 19-year-old Jaydin Jimenez.

All other suspects in each investigation remain at large.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced Police Department.

In the meantime, the department is increasing its patrols and gang-violence suppression units in neighborhoods.

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