Detectives are investigating the death of a man found in a dirt lot Thursday morning in Turlock.

The deceased has been identified as Joga Shergill, 54, of Turlock.

The Turlock Police Department received a call reporting a shooting in the area of Lander and W. Glenwood avenues around 4:45 a.m. Thursday. The first officers to arrive found Shergill, dead from an apparent gunshot wound, said Turlock Police spokesperson Lt. Neil Cervenka.

Detectives were investigating the area where the body was located, which is a dirt lot used as a parking area for big rigs.

Cervenka said detectives are actively working this investigation and following up on leads. At this time few details about the case have been released.

Shergill had an extensive criminal history dating back to 2000, according to the Stanislaus County Superior Court records. He had convictions for charges of burglary, possession of stolen property and being a felon in possession of a firearm, among others. In 2013, Shergill and Donald Rush were both arrested on burglary and forgery charges after they were caught trying to pass fraudulent checks at a Ceres liquor store. The two men were also found in possession of numerous fake identifications, bank cards and Social Security numbers belonging to others. Shergill and Rush both entered no contest pleas to the charges of burglary and the forgery charges were dismissed. Both were given probation, according to the court records.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective Brandon Bertram 209-664-7323. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.