Suspect charged with slaying Merced woman
A 34-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the slaying this month of a Merced woman, according to Merced Superior Court records.
Oscar Saenz was charged Wednesday with the stabbing death of 21-year-old Brittany Lynn Dutra, whose body was found July 9 inside an apartment in the 2300 block of K Street in Merced. Saenz was arrested within hours of the discovery, police said.
Merced police detectives have not commented on a motive in the killing but said it was not gang-related.
Saenz appeared briefly in court Wednesday but did not enter a plea. He is set to appear Tuesday before Judge Ronald W. Hansen in Merced Superior Court.
Dutra, a mother of twin toddlers, graduated in 2011 from Yosemite High School. Her children are being cared for by family, relatives have said.
Jail records show Saenz has been in and out of jail in Merced County more than half a dozen times since 2012.
Saenz’s criminal history includes felony drug convictions, as well as discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle, committing a felony while out on bail, resisting arrest and weapon’s possession, jail records show.
Anyone who might have information on this case can contact Detective Joe Deliman at 209-385-6992. You can also call the tip line at 209-385-4725. Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Suspect charged with slaying Merced woman."