April 25, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that early on Friday morning, Deputies responded to Highway 140 and Station Avenue in Atwater for a report of an unresponsive male located on the shoulder of the road near his vehicle. Investigators originally believed the decedent was struck by a vehicle; however, after further investigation, the male appeared to have evidence that he had been bitten by at least one dog.

Five dogs believed to be associated with a nearby residence were taken for quarantine, however it is unknown a this time if the dogs contributed in anyway to the death. The owner of the dogs, 56-year-old Gilberto Diaz Mora, was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail for failure to turn his dogs over for quarantine and obstruction.

This remains an ongoing investigation. The cause of death is pending the results of the autopsy, which will be conducted at a later time. Investigators are working to identify the decedent and notifying next of kin. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Detective Gutierrez at 209-385-7472. Callers may remain confidential.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office