News Summary
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide that occurred in Atwater during a shooting incident. Two young men lost their lives, with one woman critically injured. Authorities seek public assistance and have released sketches of suspects and images of a suspect vehicle in hopes of generating leads. Officials stress the importance of community involvement in solving this violent crime as the investigation progresses.
Atwater, California — The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is seeking public assistance in an ongoing investigation into a double homicide that occurred during a shooting incident late Saturday night, July 2nd. The tragic event took place shortly after 11 PM on Santa Fe Drive near Franklin Road, just outside the city limits of Atwater.
Authorities report that multiple calls were received from concerned citizens who reported gunfire in the area. The investigation revealed that suspects in one vehicle opened fire on four occupants in another vehicle. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two young men, identified as Ruben Coronado, 23 years old, and Eli Correa, 24 years old. Additionally, an adult female was critically injured during the altercation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the incident, detectives have identified two persons of interest in connection with the case. Forensic artists have created digital sketches of these individuals, which have been made available to the public in hopes of generating useful leads. Alongside these sketches, police have released surveillance images of the suspect vehicle, as well as a stock photo representing the same make and model. This information is critical as officials believe that someone in the community might recognize the individuals or the vehicle involved in the shooting.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to take a close look at the released images and report any relevant information that could assist the investigation. They underscore that even the smallest detail could prove vital in confirming leads that have been gathered from cooperating sources within the community.
Residents with any information pertaining to the case are encouraged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office directly at (209) 385-7445. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463. This outreach emphasizes the importance of community involvement in solving violent crimes and bringing justice for the victims and their families.
This shooting incident represents a concerning trend as violence has impacted many communities across California in recent years. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has recommitted to tackling such violence and ensuring the safety of residents. The community remains on high alert as investigators pursue leads in hopes of apprehending those responsible for this heinous act.
The devastating loss of Ruben Coronado and Eli Correa has created a sense of urgency within the community for justice to be served. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has indicated its determination to work swiftly and diligently to solve this case and prevent further tragedies like this one in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Atwater Village Shooting
- Wikipedia: Atwater, California
- Your Central Valley: Man Killed in Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- KTLA: Shooting Outside Strip Club
- Google Search: Atwater California Shooting
- Fox 5 Vegas: California Shooting with Vegas Ties
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
