September 11, 2026 – Merced Police Department officials report that on January 25, 2026, at approximately midnight, the Merced Police Department received a call regarding shots fired and a person down in the area of the 1300 block of Stuart Drive.

Officers arrived on scene and located an 18-year-old male victim, identified as Miguel Gaeta, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, Gaeta succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Merced Police Department detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Through their investigation, detectives were able to identify 20-year-old Norteño gang member Moises Reyes as the person responsible for the shooting.

Related: Merced Police Seek Public’s Help Locating Suspect Wanted for Fatal Shooting

Detectives continued searching for Reyes over the following several months. Investigators were eventually able to determine that Reyes was located in Mexico. The United States Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement authorities were contacted and assisted the Merced Police Department in locating Reyes.

Through the continued efforts of Merced Police detectives, the United States Marshals Service, and Mexican law enforcement authorities, Reyes was ultimately located and taken into custody.

The Merced Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement authorities for their assistance with this investigation and their efforts in locating and apprehending Moises Reyes.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Crain at 209-769-0340 or contact the Merced Police Department directly.

Homicide Case #26-5387

Source & photo: Merced Police Department