Merced County Sheriff's Office Seeks Information in July 2022 Homicide 

September 17, 2025 – Merced County, CA – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials announce that they are asking for the public's assistance in an ongoing investigation.

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, Deputies responded to several calls regarding a shooting on Santa Fe Drive near Franklin Road, just outside the Atwater, California, city limits. Callers reported that multiple shots had been fired by suspects in one vehicle, toward four occupants in another vehicle. The shooting tragically resulted in the deaths of 23-year-old Ruben Coronado and 24-year-old Eli Correa. An adult female was also critically injured.

The unknown suspects fled and are still at large.

As part of the investigation, detectives obtained surveillance footage showing a gray/silver SUV connected to the incident.

Photographs included with this release are of the deceased victims and an image of the suspect vehicle captured on video surveillance. Authorities are seeking to identify the vehicle and any individuals associated with it.

"We believe there are people in the community who may have seen or heard something that could help move this case forward," said a spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office. "Even the smallest detail could prove important."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office at (209) 385-7445 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463.

Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff's Office