16-year-old shot and killed in Merced identified by family

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Family members have identified the teenager shot and killed in Merced as 16-year-old Davarion Granados.

The shooting happened at an apartment complex at U and Fourth streets on Wednesday night.

Maria Granados, Davarion's mother, described to Action News her son's final moments.

"He was saying, 'Dad, I'm coming up by the trash can,' making it almost home, and then they came around shooting, and this is where he dropped."

Maria says her son was on the phone with his dad and walking to his apartment after hanging out with friends in another part of the complex.

Her husband heard the gunshots and the stillness that came after.

"It was anywhere from 10-16 shots," said Maria. "While he was talking to his dad over the phone, his dad heard gunshots. He didn't hear anything else after that."

Sgt. Christian Lupian with Merced Police says several people called 911, and that's when officers responded shortly after 9:30 pm.

Davarion died at the scene from his injuries.

Detectives are investigating and are in search of the shooter.

"We have been talking to multiple witnesses, and there are various statements we received from multiple people in the apartment complex," said Sgt. Lupian.

Lupian says they believe the shooting was targeted. Maria says the gunshots came from a white car.

She says Davarion was loved by many and wasn't aware of him being in trouble or having any enemies.

"He was an amazing person. Everybody loved him," said Maria, "This is something that we can't put together, and it's really hard. It's hard for everybody right now."

While she grieves the loss of her son, she's hopeful that the truth will come to light.

"Whoever did this, they are going to pay for it, period," she said. Justice has to be served. It's going to be served for my son."

No suspect information has been released at this time.

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