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Wednesday, Dec. 02, 2009

Atwater man gunned down

Victim has been identified as 25-year-old Arturo Cisneros, killed in the doorway.

ATWATER -- A 25-year-old man was shot to death early Tuesday morning at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Fruitland Avenue, police reported.

Few details are known, and no suspects are in custody.

The victim has been identified as Arturo Cisneros, according to the Merced County Coroner's Office.

Atwater police responded to the Gardenwood Apartments around 4:30 a.m. and found the victim inside a doorway, with three gunshot wounds. Officers administered CPR, but the victim died a short time later, according to Asst. Chief Frank Pietro of the Atwater Police Department.

Witnesses told police that a knock was heard on the victim's apartment door before the shooting. A conversation was heard, and shots were then fired, Pietro said.

Detective Armando Echevarria said detectives aren't releasing the nature of the conversation between Cisneros and whoever knocked at his door. Nor are police yet releasing a possible motive or a suspect description.

Detectives processed the crime scene Tuesday morning, as a small spatter of blood stained the entrance and doorway to the victim's apartment.

Residents who live in the complex said they were surprised about the shooting. "Every time I'd see him, he was always with his family," said Reggie Jones, one of Cisneros' neighbors.

The death was the first homicide reported this year in Atwater, and the 19th reported in Merced County.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call (209) 357-6395. Callers can remain anonymous.

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