The Merced County Sheriff’s Department has officially classified the death of a man found alongside a Hilmar road a homicide.

The victim was identified by the sheriff’s department at Israel Gutierrez, 34, of Modesto.

Around 1 p.m. April 4, a motorist spotted a man lying on the ground alongside the shoulder of Williams Avenue, about 100 yards from Lander Avenue in Hilmar.

The sheriff’s department responded to the scene and found Gutierrez with a mortal gunshot wound.

The sheriff’s department is looking for any tips regarding the death and ask that anyone with information call Major Crimes Detective Victoria Bonilla at 564-0407. Callers may remain anonymous.