March 10, 2022 - Merced, CA – The Merced County Sheriff's Office reports on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at approximately 11:48 P.M., deputies with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence in the 500 block of Cone Avenue regarding a male subject who was laying on the ground and not breathing. When deputies arrived at the residence they found 53-year-old Gabriel Montoya unresponsive and not breathing. Deputies attempted life-saving measures, but Mr. Montoya was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the investigation, deputies learned that Montoya was involved in some sort of physical altercation with another male subject who was identified as 68-year-old Joseph Burkley.

Joseph Burkley was arrested and booked into the Merced County jail on charges of Murder.

This is still an ongoing investigation, so if you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Merced Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472. The information you provide could remain anonymous and could help solve this crime.


Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office