Full Notification

Modesto, CA -

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the September 29th shooting death of 38-year-old Modesto resident Matthew McDonough.  

On Friday, September 30, 2022, at 2:44 p.m., detectives with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) located 39-year-old Modesto resident Matthew Douglas Cook outside of a residence near the intersection of Coffee Road and E Coolidge Ave.  

Cook had been identified as a suspect responsible for the killing of McDonough one-day prior near the Modesto City-County Airport.  Detectives had an active Ramey arrest warrant at the time of initial contact with Matthew Cook.  The arrest was made without incident.  

Through the course of follow-up investigation, it was believed Cook confronted the victim while both men were driving in their own respective vehicles, near the intersection of Mitchell Road and S Riverside Drive in Modesto.  The victim was riding with another adult female at the time of the incident.  She was uninjured as a result of the shooting.  All involved parties were known to one another, and this was not considered to be a random act of violence.  

Detectives concluded Cook leaned out of his own car and fired into the victim’s car fatally wounding him.  The suspect then fled the scene of the crime.  The investigation unfolded rapidly to the point where Cook was quickly identified as the gunman.  Detectives are still actively investigating this case.  

The firearm used in this homicide is still outstanding.  While no other suspects have been identified as having a role in the homicide thus far, investigators are still working to exclude the involvement of any others as either accessories, accomplices or co-conspirators.  

Cook was later booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for one count of homicide.  He is being held on a zero bail status and will make an initial appearance at the Stanislaus County Superior Courthouse for arraignment on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 12.  

We ask members of the public to contact Detective Blewett at 209-525-7083 should they have additional information to share.  

Callers can also choose to remain anonymous by submitting their tips to Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.  

Tipsters can also submit tips at the Stan Crime Tips website, or by using the mobile app “P3”, which may result in your eligibility for a cash reward.