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Hughson man dies of multiple stab wounds in Turlock alley
darren-merenda
Darren Merenda, 30, of Turlock was arrested on suspicion of homicide. - photo by Photo Contributed
A dispute over a woman is believed to have incited an altercation that led to the death of a Hughson man Saturday in Turlock.
The deceased was identified by the Turlock Police Department as Donald Deane Futch, 34.
Investigators have arrested Darren Merenda, 30, of Turlock on suspicion of homicide. Merenda was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on Saturday and is being held without bail.
Futch was stabbed multiple times in the upper torso in an alley next to the Villa Colorado apartment complex at 1400 Colorado Ave., according to the Turlock Police Department.
Detective Michael Parmley said Merenda and the woman, who was the subject of the suspected dispute, both resided at the apartment complex and had a prior relationship with one another. The woman was currently dating Futch.
Parmley said Futch sent a text message to Merenda from the woman’s cell phone and the two men agreed to meet in the alley.
The context of the text is unknown.
The Turlock Police Department received a 911 call around 3:50 a.m. Saturday stating that a man had been stabbed. When they arrived, they found Futch bleeding from several stab wounds. Officers started CPR until emergency medical responders arrived, who pronounced the victim dead, Parmley said.
A witness led investigators to Merenda’s apartment. He was taken to Emanuel Medical Center for a cut to his arm and taken into custody after he was medically cleared.
A bloody knife was found at the crime scene and it appeared as if someone had tried to get rid of it, Parmley said.
Anyone who may have any information regarding this crime is asked to contact Detective Mike Parmley at 668-5550 extension 6626.
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.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.