August 31, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on August 29, 2026, at 11:12 p.m., Deputies responded to a private event located at Los Banos Fairgrounds for a report of a shooting. Deputies located an adult male suffering from several gunshot wounds who was pronounced deceased. Through their investigation, they learned the victim, who was a Security Guard working the event, was involved in an altercation leading up to the shooting.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact our Detectives Bureau at 209.385.7472, or you can leave an anonymous tip at the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 209.385.7547 or SheriffTips@countyofmerced.com.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office