Man killed in Atwater shooting identified, as search for suspects continues

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office has identified a man shot and killed in Atwater on Saturday, as 35-year-old Juan Castro of Atwater, according to Deputy Daryl Allen.

Atwater police officers responded at about 1:40 a.m. to the 1000 block of Juniper Avenue for a report of a shooting. After locating Castro with multiple gunshot wounds, officers and emergency medical personnel attempted life saving measures. He was pronounced dead a the scene.

According to an Atwater Police Department news release, authorities are looking for two suspects who left the scene in a sedan of an unknown make and model.

Police said a motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384 or by email at police@atwater.org. Ask for Detective-Sgt. Brum or Det. Vargas.