Teenager arrested in Delhi homicide

A 17-year-old Merced resident has been charged with murder in connection with the Sept. 20 shooting death of a Delhi man, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

Jose Guadalupe Lua Jr. has been charged as an adult, Sgt. Delray Shelton said in a statement.

Guadalupe Lua, described by deputies as a known gang member, is a suspect in the death of of Juan Manuel Reyes, whose body was found in front of his home in the 16000 block of Jeffrey Court, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Detective Sgt. Chuck Hale said the case investigation is ongoing.

“I know there are other suspects out there and we’re asking for the public to come forward with any information no matter how small you may think it is,” Hale said. “Call us or send an anonymous tip online.”

Hale, citing a need to protect the investigation, declined to comment on any potential evidence in the case or Guadalupe Lua’s alleged role in the homicide.

The teenager was arrested late Thursday and deputies did not announce the arrest publicly until this week. Hale said that decision also was based on a need to protect the investigation.

A total of 25 homicides have been reported in 2015 in Merced County.

The Sheriff’s Department has investigated nine homicide cases this year. Deputies have made arrests in eight of the cases. A homicide Sept. 25 on Edyth Circle in Winton is the only case in which detectives have not made an arrest.

“I’m very proud of our guys, especially with as short-staffed as the Sheriff’s Office is right now,” Hale said. “Our detectives never falter. That’s our job and they just keep it up.”

Hale acknowledged September was a particularly violent month within the sheriff’s jurisdiction, with five homicides reported.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Teenager arrested in Delhi homicide."