The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a person of interest in the shooting death of a 19-year-old man.

The sheriff’s department has identified 26-year-old Victor Valdovinos as a person of interest in the death of Jesus Gallardo, 19, of Patterson.

Valdovinos is known to frequent the Patterson and Merced County areas. He’s described as a Hispanic male, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 220 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

The homicide was discovered around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Felipe Garza Memorial Park in Patterson when deputies were dispatched to reports of shots fired.

Gallardo was found dead in the park from multiple gunshot wounds.

Detectives believe the shooting was gang-related.

Detectives ask that anyone with information about this case or the whereabouts of Victor Valdovinos to contact Detective Darwin Hatfield at 525-7100. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at
http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.

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