December 22, 2022 - Merced – Merced Police Department officals report on December 21, 2022 at approximately 12:23 A.M., Merced Police received a call regarding an assault that just occurred in the 1100 block of B St. in Merced. Several minutes later, a stabbing was called in at the same location. Officers responded and located Jordan Terrell Love (21) of Merced. Love was suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was transported to a regional trauma center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives responded and took over the investigation. It was later determined that Love was involved in two separate altercations. The second altercation is what led to Love being stabbed. A second victim was also struck in the head with a blunt object and is currently in stable condition.

Julius Joya-Flores (22) of Merced and Jose Joya-Flores Jr. (26) of Merced were identified as suspects in Love’s murder.

On December 22, 2022, at approximately 10:02 A.M., Merced PD Detectives were conducting surveillance on a residence in Merced when they saw Jose Joya-Flores Jr. exit the residence and drive away. A short time later Julius Joya-Flores exited the residence and walked away. Jose Joya-Flores Jr. and Julius Joya-Flores were arrested for murder and assault with a deadly weapon. They were booked into the Merced County Jail.

This case remains under investigation.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Christian Lupian at (209)388-7844 or by email at lupianc@cityofmerced.org