February 10, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on January 14, 2026, deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the 6900 block of Winton Way. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim received medical care, and detectives were called to the scene to take over the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, detectives identified Jose Miguel Martinez-Zarate, 42, of Atwater, as the suspect. On February 9, 2026, detectives located Martinez-Zarate at the Town and Country Motel in Livingston, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Martinez-Zarate will be booked into Merced County jail on charges of attempted murder.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office