Turlock shooting victim identified; search continues for suspects

TURLOCK -- Roger Villanueva, 26, of rural Turlock was identified as the man shot to death Sunday in the back yard of a Turlock home.

Two other Turlock men are being sought as suspects, but searches for them Monday were not successful, Turlock police reported.

"We think that all the parties involved in the shooting were gang members," said Sgt. Jeff Lopes, noting that the suspects and victim are believed Norteño members.

Villanueva, who lived near Keyes, was shot multiple times in various parts of his body about 6 p.m. Sunday on the 200 block of Angelus Street.

On Monday evening, Turlock SWAT teams served search warrants at two residences where they had hoped to find the suspects. But the apartment at 381 West Hawkeye Ave. had a new family living there, and no one was home at the apartment at 1012 Geer Road.

Lopes said the search will continue. He said police are not releasing the suspects' names because their photos are being shown to witnesses in photo lineups, and police don't want to "contaminate" the evidence by publicizing who they think did it.

Police are asking anyone with information about the homicide to contact Det. Brandon Bertram at 668-5550, ext. 6623. Or they can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636.

Bee staff writer J.N. Sbranti can be reached at jsbranti@modbee.com or 578-2196.

This story was originally published May 27, 2008 at 1:57 AM with the headline "Turlock shooting victim identified; search continues for suspects."