August 22, 2025 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Thursday afternoon, Deputies responded to the 4600 block of Hunt Road in Gustine, where a deceased male suffering from a gunshot wound was located. Detectives responded to the scene and determined the incident was a Homicide. Detectives were able to identify a suspect, 46-year-old Timothy Fontes. Detectives discovered Fontes was down the street from the crime scene, and the Merced Sheriff SWAT team was activated to assist with the apprehension.

Our SWAT team located Fontes, and he was taken into custody without further incident on Thursday morning. Fontes was booked into the Merced County Sheriff's Office Jail on homicide charges.

Related: Merced County Detectives Investigate Suspicious Death After Man Found Shot in Gustine

Great job to our Investigation Bureau for their diligent work and thank you to the Merced Sheriff's SWAT team for their support in safely apprehending Fontes!

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Jose Sanchez at (209) 446-0405.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office