Turlock Area News

On Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, at 7:13 pm, Turlock Police detectives and investigators in Los Banos were conducting follow-up on the homicide that had occurred on Sunday, January 15th, behind The Udder Place, 110 W Main St, Turlock, when they came across their suspect.

With the assistance of the Los Banos Police Department, Alejandro Ortuno, 23, of Los Banos, was stopped in the 1200 block of W I St and arrested.

Ortuno was transported to the Turlock Police Department where he was interviewed about the incident. Afterward, he was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on a no-bail felony Ramey warrant for murder.

With the assistance of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Turlock Police detectives and investigators then searched two Los Banos homes in the 200 block of Wisteria Ave and 2300 block of Rock Creek Dr for evidence in the investigation.

“I’m proud of the work our investigative teams put into this investigation,” said Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos. “Our team is continuing to work on this investigation, and other recent crimes, to bring those responsible to justice,” he continued.

“Our sympathy goes out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of Ortuno starts to bring some sense of closure as they continue to mourn the loss of Robert,” said Turlock Police Detective Raul Garcia, whose in charge of the case

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Raul Garcia at 209-664-7314.

On Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at 12:17 pm, we received additional information about the homicide that had occurred early that morning behind The Udder Place, 110 W Main St, Turlock.

The victim who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital has been identified as Robert Morgan, 31, of Turlock.

So far, the investigation has revealed that Morgan was a security guard at The Grand Cru, but had a day off and was hanging out with friends at the bar. While there, on-duty security guards got involved in an altercation with several Hispanic male patrons and were able to move them outside. The altercation continued outside and Morgan stepped out to assist his on-duty coworkers.

Morgan was reportedly in an altercation with someone behind The Udder Place when an unidentified occupant of a dark-colored sedan stopped, got out, and fired multiple shots at Morgan before getting back into the sedan and fleeing the scene.

According to Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos, this homicide and the one from the prior morning are unrelated.

Detectives continue to investigate the incident with the assistance of investigators from the department’s Special Investigations Unit and Major Accident Investigations Team.

Jerry Powell, who owns The Udder Place, The Grand Cru, and Cuts Steakhouse, has voluntarily closed The Grand Cru for two weeks to review internal procedures related to evaluating and improving safety measures at the establishment.

“I had a discussion with Mr. Powell regarding this tragedy at Grand Cru, and he let me know he is heartbroken at the loss of a valued staff member and friend,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “He also informed me that he is closing his business immediately to conduct a review and ensure that Grand Cru is a safe place for both patrons and employees. I am employing new, state-of-the-art technologies and resources to combat violent crime in our city to keep our residents and businesses safe and secure. We will not tolerate this kind of activity and want our residents to know we are working hard and will continue to update the public as information can be shared during these investigations,” he continued.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Turlock Police Detective Raul Garcia at 209-664-7314.

On Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at 12:14 pm, we received additional information about the homicide that had occurred early that morning near the intersection of Market St and S Broadway, Turlock.

The victim who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital has been identified as Romeo Portillo, 21, of Patterson.

The second victim’s name has not been released yet, however, he’s been identified as a 20-year-old of Patterson and remains in the hospital in stable condition.

Evidence located at the scene suggested that more than one firearm was used in the shooting and that there were two groups of people involved.

It’s now been confirmed that the incident was not a random act of violence and was the result of a dispute that had started at a nearby bar.

Additionally, one of the two subjects who were arrested during the incident has been identified as Gary Jackson, 22, of Patterson. He was who was transporting the two victims to the hospital and was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on the charge of carrying a loaded firearm.

The other man who was arrested was simply a witness who was unable to care for himself due to his level of intoxication. No charges will be filed against him.

“This investigation is a top priority for our detectives and we ask that anyone who may have information about the identity of any involved individuals to please come forward,” said Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos. “The safety of the public is our number one concern,” he continued.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.

On Thursday, December 22nd, 2022, at 5:21 pm, we received information that the armed robber who had shot himself in the head while running from officers on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, near the intersection of S First St and W F St, Turlock, has died at a local hospital.

He was identified as Jaymar Brown, 44, of Turlock.

We also learned how the robbery had occurred. Brown had entered the business, approached the counter, and pointed the gun at the clerk. He demanded money from the register and the clerk complied, handing over the $800.

The $800 was also recovered at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Gavin Allison at 209-668-1200.

On Monday, September 12th, 2022, at 5:22 pm, Turlock Police investigators near the 200 block of E Tuolumne Rd, Turlock, spotted one of the outstanding suspects from the homicide that had occurred on Friday, September 9th, 2022, at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave.

Investigators, along with detectives and officers, were able to arrest David Rivera Cruz, 30, of Turlock, without incident.

Cruz was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Despite the relentless efforts of the Turlock Police Department, the final remaining suspect of the three, Alfonso Garcia, 23, of Turlock, remains on the loose. The Turlock Police Department asks for your assistance in locating Garcia. If he is spotted, immediately call police. Do not approach him as he is considered dangerous.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.

On Monday, September 12th, 2022, at 2:39 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the homicide that had occurred on Friday, September 9th, 2022, at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave, Turlock.

The deceased victim has been identified as David Gomez Mendoza, 28, of Modesto, while the two additional suspects have been identified as Alfonso Garcia, 23, of Turlock, and David Rivera Cruz, 30, of Turlock.

The Turlock Police Department asks for your assistance in locating Garcia and Cruz. If either men are spotted, immediately call police. Do not attempt to approach them as they are both considered dangerous.

The first suspect who was arrested within hours of the homicide, Manuel Maldonado, 29, of Turlock, remains in custody at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center. He currently has a no bail status.

“Detectives are relentlessly working this investigation in an effort to bring the remaining two suspects to justice,” said Turlock Police Detective Frank Navarro. “Please help by calling if you see either of these two men,” he continued.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.

On Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, at 12:03 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the aggravated assault that had occurred on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, at O’Rielly Auto Parts, 1144 Geer Rd, Turlock.

The Turlock Police Department announced that the victim, Zobeyda Esquerra, 22, of Livingston, succumbed to her injuries while at the hospital.

Police also identified their suspect who was arrested after a manhunt yesterday as Juan Francisco Ibarra-Tapia, 22, of Livingston. Ibarra-Tapia was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder, attempted murder, flight from a peace officer, discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony causing great bodily injury or death.

During the preliminary investigation, detectives revealed a couple of things. They revealed that this was not a random act of violence and that Ibarra-Tapia had previously been arrested in October of 2021 for stalking Esquerra. They also revealed that Ibarra-Tapia had shot at two employees of O’Rielly Auto Parts when he shot Esquerra. Luckily, those shots missed.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of the suspect brings some sense of closure as they mourn the loss of Zoe,” said Officer Gina Giovacchini.

Ibarra-Tapia is currently being held on a no-bail status.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.