Atwater teenager stabbed to death; suspect sought
The search continued Monday for the suspect or suspects responsible for the stabbing death of an 18-year-old Atwater man, the Police Department confirmed.
The victim, Sergio Avelar, was pronounced dead around 2:30 a.m. Saturday inside a room at the Applegate Inn, 1501 Sycamore Ave., said Atwater police Lt. Samuel Joseph.
“The detectives are still working important leads in the case,” Joseph told the Sun-Star. He declined to elaborate, citing a need to protect the investigation.
No arrests have been made. No suspect descriptions have been released.
Detectives believe there was a gathering, possibly a party, inside the motel room when violence erupted.
The weapon used in the attack has not been located, officers said.
The death is the first homicide of the year in Atwater. The city reported three homicides in 2015.
Atwater police are asking anyone with information about the case to call investigators at 209-357-6396.✔ Tips are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous.
This story was originally published January 30, 2016 at 6:59 AM with the headline "Atwater teenager stabbed to death; suspect sought."