Merced County Sheriff deputies investigating Winton homicide, suspect arrested

Merced County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide in Winton, and one person is in custody.

According to Deputy Daryl Allen, at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, authorities responded to a call of an assault in the 7000 block of California Street.

Deputies arrived and found 36-year-old Julio Lucero of Winton dead, according to a Merced County Sheriff’s Office news release.

According to authorities, the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau was called to the scene to investigate a possible homicide. Detectives at the scene arrested Edgar Simon Duran, 30, of Winton, who has been identified as a suspect in connection with the death.

Authorities did not release additional information as the investigation is still ongoing.

Duran was arrested on suspicion of first degree murder and is being held at the Main Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, according to jail records.

Lucero’s death is the eighth homicide reported this year in Merced County.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Detectives line at 209-385-7472. Tips are confidential and you can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 11:04 AM.