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Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2009

Man, 19, shot to death at party ID'd by coroner

No new details but police say shooting gang-related.

A 19-year-old man who was shot to death Sunday during a gathering in Cressey has been identified as Oscar Sanchez, of Winton, according to the Merced County Coroner's Office.

Detectives released no new details about the shooting on Monday, although they have confirmed it was gang-related.

No one has been arrested on suspicion of committing the crime, said deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

The sheriff's department did not release a description of the suspects on Monday.

Sanchez had told investigators that he was a member of a criminal street gang following a recent arrest on minor charges, MacKenzie said.

The shooting was reported around 1 a.m. in the 8000 block of Cressey Way, at a quinceanera party.

MacKenzie said a rival gang showed up at the party. Events escalated after words were exchanged between the rivals. MacKenzie said someone pulled out a handgun and shots were fired.

Sanchez was shot in the stomach, leg and chest.

He was flown to a Modesto hospital. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, MacKenzie said.

He was the eighth reported homicide in Merced County this year.

The shooting marked one of the bloodiest weekends in Merced County, with deputies responding to three shootings and one aggravated assault, where a man was hit in the head with a shovel.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about any of the shootings to call (209) 385-7445. Callers can remain anonymous.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.