The year came to a close with Turlock Police detectives investigating the city’s third homicide for the year.
On Saturday a 35-year-old Turlock man was fatally shot outside a Turlock home. The victim has been identified as David Hernandez.
A day later the Turlock Police Department was reporting that they had taken the suspected shooter, identified as Ernesto Negrete, 20, of Turlock, into custody.
A motive for the shooting has not been released. Negrete allegedly admitted to being a Norteno gang member during questioning with investigators, Turlock Police Sgt. Russell Holeman said. Hernandez was not known to be a member of a gang.
Police were called to a home in the 800 block of South Avenue around 9:15 p.m. Saturday for reports of shots fired.
At the home officers found Hernandez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Hernandez was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis said.
Hernandez and Negrete were associated with one another and both were standing outside the South Avenue home when the shooting occurred. Holeman said there was no indication that any other criminal activity was happening at the residence.
Negrete had arrived at the South Avenue home in a vehicle, but fled on foot, Holeman said.
There were witnesses to the shooting and at least one has been cooperating with investigators, Holeman said.
Negrete was contacted during a traffic stop Sunday in the 1200 block of N. Olive Avenue. He was taken into custody on charges of homicide and possession of methamphetamine, Lewis said.
Negrete is being held at Stanislaus County Jail without bail. He has an arraignment scheduled for today.
This is the third homicide reported in Turlock for the year. In May 24-year-old Simon White was shot to death at a Vermont Avenue home. The suspect, Gabriel Miranda, was apprehended in Idaho and is awaiting trial in Stanislaus County. In July, 2-year-old Stephanie Torres was found deceased inside her N. Denair Avenue home and her mother, Brandy Rose Devine was taken into custody on a homicide charge. She is awaiting trial.
Anyone with information about Hernandez’s murder is asked to contact Turlock Police Department Detective Frank Navarro at 668-5550 ext. 6619.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.