Deputies investigating woman’s suspicious death in Merced County

Authorities are asking for help from the public as they investigate the suspicious death of a woman in Merced County.

On Monday, deputies responded to the 7900 block of Olive Avenue in Winton for an unresponsive woman, according to a Merced County Sheriff’s Office news release.

After arriving on scene, the deputies discovered the body of Tammy Balloue, 41, inside the bedroom of a residence. According to authorities, investigators discovered Balloue’s vehicle, a blue 2005 Lexus ES300 with license plate 8EPN976, was missing from the home.

Additionally, detectives determined a man identified as 34-year-old Jorge Luis Martinez, was with Balloue earlier in the day. Martinez’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, according to the news release.

The Sheriff’s Office said that due to the suspicious nature of the death, investigators ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Martinez or the vehicle, to contact 911. Authorities said do not approach Martinez or the vehicle.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Balloue’s cause of death has not been determined.

This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 2:10 PM.