January 14, 2026 – WINTON, CA – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services received a report of an alleged animal cruelty incident that occurred in Winton. The reporting party stated that while at a friend’s residence, the friend shot and killed his dog and then forced him, at gunpoint, to bury the dog.

Investigators quickly identified the suspect as 57-year-old James Charles Morales of Winton. During the investigation, deputies learned the incident stemmed from Morales becoming upset during what initially appeared to be joking between the parties. Morales allegedly produced a handgun, threatened to shoot the victim’s dog, and then shot the dog multiple times, killing it. The victim reported that Morales then pointed the handgun at him and forced him to bury the dog.

Investigators obtained and served a search warrant in the 6500 block of Nicholas Drive in Winton. Prior to service of the warrant, Morales was observed leaving the residence in a vehicle. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and Morales was taken into custody without incident.

During the execution of the search warrant, investigators located multiple 9mm spent cartridge casings in the backyard and a 9mm handgun inside the residence. Investigators also located the remains of a recently deceased dog in a shallow grave on the side of the residence.

The dog’s remains were recovered and transported to the Animal Shelter, where a necropsy will be conducted at a later date.

Investigators booked Morales into the Merced County Jail on charges of animal cruelty, kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with a firearm.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7445.

Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff's Office