Homicide reported at dairy near Gustine, Merced County Sheriff Office says

Authorities are investigating what is believed to be a homicide at a dairy farm south of Gustine on Monday.

Deputies responded to a dairy farm in the Gustine area at about 1:13 a.m. Monday for a report of a robbery, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office. According to Deputy Daryl Allen, the dairy is located in the area of Ingomar Grade and Bunker Road.

According to Allen, an employee of the diary found a fellow employee suffering from injuries. Allen said the adult man died at the scene.

Allen said the motive for the attack appears to be the same as a robbery that was reported at another Gustine area dairy on April 15. Allen said authorities believe the two robberies are connected.

Later Monday, deputies announced an arrest in the April 15 robbery, but it’s still unknown whether that suspect is connected to the homicide.

Authorities have asked dairy workers to be alert and aware of their surroundings, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472. Callers can remain anonymous, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 1:36 PM.