Full Notification

On January 8, 2015 at approximately 8:00 a.m., Los Banos Police Detectives arrested a second suspect, a 17-year-old male from Los Banos, in connection with the December 7th, 2014 homicide.

“We believe the two suspects we have in custody each played a major role in the shooting death of the victim. Although we still have more work to do, we believe we have strong evidence in this case.”
- Ray Reyna, Police Commander

The second suspect has been booked into the Merced County Juvenile Hall facility charged with Murder, attempted murder, and participation in a criminal street gang. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Sergeant Ivan Mendez at (209) 827-7070, extension 114.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org


**First Update-December 19, 2014**

On December 17, 2014 at approximately 2:18 p.m., Los Banos Police Detectives arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the December 7th shooting death of a 17-year-old from Dos Palos.
Detectives served search warrants at four locations in the City of Los Banos in connection with the investigation.

The suspect and victim belonged to rival criminal street gangs and the motive for the killing is pretty clearly attributed to gang violence.

“Our Detectives have struggled to find cooperative witnesses throughout this investigation, but that has not deterred their efforts. We are confident the suspect arrested Wednesday afternoon played a major role in the killing. I hope this arrest brings the family and community some closure and allows the healing process to begin.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police

This case is still under investigation and no further information or details will be released at this time.

We ask that anyone with information on this case contact Sergeant Ivan Mendez at (209) 827-7070, extension 114.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org


**Original Press Release - December 8, 2014**


Police Investigate First Homicide of the Year

On December 7, 2014 at approximately 6:49 p.m., Los Banos Police Communications received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting near the intersection of San Luis Street and Ward Road.

Los Banos police officers arrived at the scene moments later and found a teenage male suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the upper body. Two police officers began CPR until paramedics arrived and took over care of the victim. Unfortunately, the victim died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Detectives learned the victim and at least two other teenage males were hanging out at Rancho Dos Amigos Park in the 2200 block of San Luis Street, when they were approached by a group of males.

At least one of the males produced a firearm and began shooting at the three teenagers. The homicide victim ran towards the intersection of San Luis Street and Ward Road before collapsing.

A 15-year-old male was struck in the head with a blunt object at the park during the shooting. He was treated and released from Memorial Hospital Los Banos with non-life threatening injuries.

“The motive for the shooting is unclear; we are still very early in this investigation and our Detectives are working around the clock, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses and following leads.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police

The City’s last reportable homicide was on March 4, 2013, when an 18-year-old man was shot to death at a home in the 800 block of La Mesa Lane. Albert Hernandez, 18, was found guilty of murder and criminal street gang participation in connection with the killing. A 16-year-old co-defendant pleaded guilty to being an accessory of the murder and was sentenced to seven years for the killing.
This incident is currently under investigation and no further details will be released.

We ask that anyone with information on this case contact Sergeant Ivan Mendez at (209) 827-7070, extension 114.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org