An arrest warrant has been issued in the high-profile homicide of a Turlock teen who was stabbed to death one day after graduating from Pitman High School three years ago.
Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced Thursday that murder charges have been filed in connection with the 2023 homicide of 17-year-old Dylan Dooling, who was leaving a house party in the 2000 block of North Daubenberger Road in Turlock when he was killed.
The suspect, a minor at the time of the incident, is currently in the custody of another law enforcement agency on an unrelated offense. Although the suspect is now an adult, he was under the age of 18 at the time Dooling’s homicide. State law prohibits releasing the suspect’s name.
“We are working on having the individual transferred back to our county,” said Deputy District Attorney Patrick Hogan, the lead prosecutor who was called out to the scene on the night of the incident. “I want to highlight the diligent work of the Turlock Police Department, which never stopped investigating this case.”
Though the suspect is now an adult, he potentially could be tried as a juvenile since he allegedly committed the crime as a minor. A 707(b) transfer hearing will be required to determine whether he will be tried as an adult, according to the state’s Welfare and Institutions Code.
On June 2, 2023, Dooling was leaving the party at around 10:45 p.m. when he was confronted by a group of males, according to TPD. A fight broke out. The reason for the altercation remains unknown. Dooling was stabbed and the males fled. Friends of the victim called 911.
Officers arrived within minutes and found Dooling on the sidewalk, suffering from a stab wound. They immediately began administering first aid and CPR until personnel from Turlock Fire Department and American Medical Response arrived on the scene. Dooling was transported to a local hospital but died about an hour later.
“This case has remained a priority for our detectives since the night it occurred,” said Turlock PD Detective Frank Navarro. “Dylan was a young man who had just graduated high school and had his whole life ahead of him. Our goal has always been to pursue the truth and seek accountability for what happened to him.”
Over the past three years, TPD continued to conduct follow-up interviews and review evidence. Through the collection of additional evidence, detectives reached a point in the investigation that allowed them to submit their case to the District Attorney, requesting that a murder charge be filed.
“The loss of Dylan deeply impacted his family, friends, and our entire community,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden, who praised the collaboration between his department, the DA’s office, and the Stanislaus County Probation Department. “While nothing can undo that loss, our department has remained committed to pursuing justice. I want to commend the dedication and persistence of our detectives who continued working this case over the past several years.”
In March 2025, a bench at Ferreira Ranch Park in northeast Turlock was dedicated in honor of Dooling, who was two months shy of his 18th birthday when he was killed.
“You guys showing up keeps his memory so strong,” Dooling’s father, Joe Dooling, told supporters during the bench dedication ceremony. “We hope that you can continue to support us, because we will not stop until justice is brought.”
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Navarro at 209-664-7319.
