Update: Teen arrested for fatal shooting at Applegate Park in Merced
Update: Ryan Santos, 18, has been arrested in connection with the homicide that happened Wednesday in Merced.
Santos was booked into the Merced County Jail late Thursday night for murder.
Original story:
Merced police detectives are investigating a fatal shooting Wednesday afternoon at Applegate Park.
Patrol officers were called to the scene at around 2:45 p.m. They found a 23-year-old old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers attempted livesaving measures until an ambulance arrived. The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Police said that it appears an altercation took place prior to the shooting. It is unknown if the shooting was gang-related, police said.
Several people were in the park at the time of the shooting, but nobody else was injured, according to police Sgt. Christian Lupian.
Lupian said there is no suspect information available at this time. Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to contact Detective Saldivar at 209-769-8959 or SaldivarJ@cityofmerced.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.
It was the fifth homicide of the year in Merced.
This story was originally published February 26, 2026 at 8:54 AM.
