Suspect in homicide outside Escalon bar arrested by Modesto police

Modesto police on Monday night arrested a suspect in the Nov. 19 homicide at the Valley Inn in Escalon.

Investigators from the Modesto Police Department Street Gang Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Geer and Hatch roads, according to a post on the Escalon Police Department’s Facebook page. Rocky Overturf, sought in the killing of 36-year-old Aaron Messick of Escalon, was a passenger in the vehicle.

He was turned over to Escalon police for questioning and subsequently booked into the San Joaquin County jail on suspicion of homicide. He is being held without bail.

Overturf, a 26-year-old Escalon resident, and Messick got in an argument early Nov. 19 at the Valley Inn, authorities say. Overturf left the bar in a dark-colored vehicle, and Messick walked out the rear of the bar.

Overturf drove to the rear of the Valley Inn and confronted Messick as he came out, police said. He hit Messick, who fell and struck his head on the ground; he died as a result of his injuries, police said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Detective Anthony Hardgraves with the Escalon Police Department at 209-838-7093.

A memorial fund has been established at gofundme.com for the family of Messick, who is described there as “a loving son, brother, boyfriend and dear friend to many.”

This story was originally published November 29, 2016 at 7:38 AM with the headline "Suspect in homicide outside Escalon bar arrested by Modesto police."