City officials pledged to increase gang violence prevention resources after a string of killings in recent weeks.
Merced Police Department will operate its Gang Violence Suppression Unit full-time and with more officers, until further notice, the agency announced on social media.
On Saturday, Jan. 17, police found 23-year-old Angel Barrios on Austin Avenue near Olive Avenue, with multiple gunshot wounds. It is believed to be a gang-related shooting, Merced Police Lt. Jose Barajas told the Merced Sun-Star. Two days later, police responded to 13th and G streets where they say two 14-year-old boys were shot and killed. Police do not believe this shooting to be gang-related.
These killings marked the city’s first three homicides of the year.
A memorial was set up for two victims, and Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto shared his condolences on Facebook.
“We have to do better. We will do better. It will take all of us working hard every day to create a more positive culture in our community,” Serratto wrote.
Merced has seen a decrease in the number of shootings in the past few years, but the city has experienced a recent short-term surge in shootings due to gang violence.
“Gang violence is often cyclical and retaliatory, so one incident, one shooting, one homicide, can target another,” Merced Police Sgt. Steven Odom said.
Many of the shootings and homicides that happen in Merced are gang related, Detective Sgt. Christian Lupian told The FOCUS. Shootings include when a gun is fired, but no one got hit or was fatally injured, he said.
Merced Police Department’s GVSU leads the city’s effort to reduce gang violence.
Four officers on this unit document and track gang member activity in Merced and the county, said Odom, a sergeant with the unit. The team conducts search warrants and investigations related to gangs.
Additional patrol officers from Merced Police Department and county agencies will provide staff support until further notice, Odom said. These actions are meant to disrupt violent activity and retaliation.
Partner agencies include Merced County District Attorney’s Office, Merced County Probation, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol. They will conduct case reviews, warrants, and investigations, according to the agency’s announcement.
Merced County had the highest homicide rate in California four years ago. It was gang violence and law enforcement shortages that contributed to the county’s high number of homicides in 2022, at 35 deaths.
Homicides in Merced’s city limits only account for a fraction of homicides countywide.
Between 2022 and 2025, the City of Merced has seen a 75% decrease in the number of shootings. In the same time period, the number of homicides has averaged about seven homicides yearly.
The three homicides remain under investigation.