The investigation into Turlock’s only homicide thus far for the year remains ongoing as there are few clues into the death of Luis Manuel Maldonado Rodriguez.

The 26-year-old man was shot multiple times on the night of Dec. 2, while walking in the 200 block of North First Street.

Rodriguez was from Forks, Wash., and it is unclear why he was in Turlock, or how long he had been in town.

In his obituary, published in the Forks Forum, Rodriguez’s family said he enjoyed old cars and the outdoors and that he “struggled to find his way in life, and that struggle was cut short before he could find his path.”

In an unusual coincidence, Rodriguez’s brother, Antonio Rodriguez Maldonado, was shot to death in September 2009.

According to the Forks Forum, Maldonado was 33 years old when he was shot by Etienne Choquette of Forks. During his trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Choquette had befriended Maldonado’s estranged girlfriend, who claimed she was suffering abuse at the hands of Maldonado. Choquette was recently found guilty by a jury and is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 27, 2011.

Turlock Police Detective Jason Tosta, the lead investigator into Rodriguez’s murder, said the two fatal shootings are not connected to one another.

Anyone with information about Rodriguez’s death is asked to call Tosta at 664-7324. Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.