Merced police make arrest in 2014 gang homicide
An 18-year-old Merced man has been arrested in connection with an apparent gang-related shooting death last year of a 15-year-old boy, Merced police announced late Thursday.
Francisco Arciga is suspected in the May 7, 2014, slaying of Luis Angel Zavaleta, who was shot and killed in the 600 block of West Eighth Street, police said in news release.
Police said lead investigator Detective Paul Johnson developed information in April identifying a suspect with the street name “Kiko” as the shooter in the Zavaleta’s death. Officers connected the street name to Arciga, who was already in custody in connection with another shooting in February on M Street, police said in the statement.
“Johnson has identified two other individuals who have played a role in the homicide,” police said. “Detectives are following up on leads on the location of the other two. Their names aren’t being released yet to protect the integrity of the case.”
The weapons in both cases have not been recovered.
“Arciga is a validated Sureño gang member,” police said. “The motive for the shooting appears to be gang-related.”
A booking photograph of Arciga was not available.
Anyone who might have information on this case can contact Detective Paul Johnson at 209-385-7742. Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
This story was originally published July 23, 2015 at 10:35 PM with the headline "Merced police make arrest in 2014 gang homicide."