The suspicious death that had police detectives out at a Turlock resident Tuesday afternoon has now officially been ruled a homicide.

The deceased has been identified as Daniel Russell, 50, of Turlock.

Around 11:30 a.m. the Turlock Police Department received a report of a deceased man in a trailer in the 100 block of Almond Avenue. Officers responded and based on the circumstances called detectives to the scene.

Russell had been shot at least once, said Turlock Police spokesperson Sgt. Russell Holeman.

Based on witness interviews and evidence located at the scene, it is believed that the victim was killed several hours earlier while inside the trailer he was residing in. This does not appear to be a random act of violence nor is it gang related. Detectives believe that the victim and suspect(s) may have known each other.

Turlock Police Detectives are asking that anyone who may have been in the 100 block of Almond Avenue during Monday night or early Tuesday morning contact them with any information which they may have regarding this incident.

This death marks the third fatal shooting that has happened in Turlock within the last month and a half. In May, 16-year-old Ismael Guzman died after he was shot in the 500 block of Vermont Avenue. The investigation into his death remains open. On June 11, Richard Lee Short III, 17, was fatally shot in the 300 block of Mitchell Avenue.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective Jason Tosta at 668-5550 extension 6624. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
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.