Merced teen shot dead near party

MERCED -- A 15-year-old boy was shot to death early Friday morning in the 1000 block of W Street.

The Merced County Coroner's Officer identified the teen as Isaiha Andrew Romero of Merced.

No suspects are in custody.

Merced police responded at 12:45 a.m., after receiving a call reporting shots fired. A party was going on at the residence. The victim was found about a block away with gunshot wounds. He died while being flown to a Modesto hospital, according to Lt. Matt Williams.

The people at the party were uncooperative with police, they said.

In a separate incident, staff at Mercy Medical Center called police after a 23-year-old documented gang member arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds. Officers spoke with the man, but he was uncooperative. His wounds weren't life-threatening, police said.

Earlier in the evening, police had investigated an unrelated shooting reported outside the Food 4 Less on West Olive Avenue. Police responded to the scene about 11:15 p.m. and spoke with a 21-year-old man who had been shot.

The victim reported being shot by a group of Asian men driving a dark-colored Honda. The shooting happened after an altercation between two groups of Asian men, police said.

The 21-year-old's wounds weren't life-threatening. He was taken by a friend to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.

Police said both shootings appear to be gang-related.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call (209) 385-4702 or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Tips are kept confidential, and tipsters can remain anonymous. Tips also can be sent via text message to TIP411 (847411) by using "comvip" as the first word in the text message.

For more on the story, go to the Merced Sun-Star.