Homicide reported in Livingston

LIVINGSTON -- A 26-year-old man was shot to death early Sunday morning while walking in the area of Prusso Street and Sunrise Court, police reported.

The victim's name hasn't been released, pending notification of his family.

Officers responded to the scene after receiving a shots-fired call just before 6 a.m. Police found the victim unresponsive, with gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later, according to Chief Ruben Chavez.

Chavez said officers canvassed the neighborhood Sunday morning, looking for witnesses. "We're doing everything we can to get to the bottom of it, find out who's responsible and bring them to justice," Chavez said.

A motive for the shooting hasn't been determined.

Police said it's unknown whether the homicide is related to a shooting that happened Thursday night near Prusso and I streets. In that case, the victim, who's expected to survive, told police four Latino males had driven up in a light brown Ford Explorer as he walked down the sidewalk.

The assailants asked for directions to another street, then someone fired a weapon from inside the vehicle. The assailants drove away northbound on Prusso Street.

The homicide is the second reported this year in the city of Livingston and the 16th in Merced County.

Livingston police ask anyone with information to call (209) 394-7916, the anonymous tip line at (209) 394-3640, or send an e-mail to tips@livingstonpd.org. Witnesses can call the Crime Stoppers hotline at (855) 725-2420. Tips are kept confidential, and callers can remain anonymous.

City Editor Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsunstar.com.