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Monday, Aug. 17, 2009

Delhi teen shot, killed in Hilmar

Authorities believe the shooting occurred at a party

A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot at a party in Hilmar on Saturday night, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported.

Investigators haven't released the name of the victim, a Latino male from Delhi. No suspects are in custody and details about the shooting are extremely sketchy.

Sheriff's spokesman Tom MacKenzie said deputies learned about the shooting after the injured teen was brought by friends to a McDonalds restaurant near Lander and Bloss avenues in Hilmar around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Someone at the location called 911 and deputies responded to the scene.

The victim, who had a gunshot wound to the stomach, was flown to a Modesto hospital, where he later died.

Investigators believe the shooting happened at a party in the 22000 block of Bloss Avenue in Hilmar. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are unknown, MacKenzie said, adding that witnesses in the case haven't been cooperative with investigators.

MacKenzie said investigators are still looking into whether the shooting was gang-related.

The death is the 13th reported homicide in Merced County this year.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting 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.