Update: Turlock homicide on Monday was the result of a gang shootout, police say
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a gang-related shootout that left a Modesto man dead at a Turlock motel on Monday, police said Thursday.
Turlock Police responded to the Days Inn near Highway 99 and Main Street around 4:15 a.m. They found Mario Meza-Nolazco, 26, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital but died during surgery.
Turlock Police Sgt. Mike Parmley said the shots were fired between a group of at least six people associated with room 220 and at least four people associated with room 218.
The shooting reportedly occurred outside of the rooms just after Meza-Nolazco arrived at the motel with Miguel Saldate, 19, of Ceres to join the group associated with room 220.
A witness told The Bee he heard at least 20 shots and someone say “Don’t die, don’t die.”
Saldate was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a firearm and participating in a street gang for allegedly shooting at Juan Jose Cruz Jr. and the others in 218.
On Wednesday afternoon, Cruz, 19, who had previously been identified as a suspect associated with the group in room 218, turned himself in at the Turlock Police Department, Parmley said.
He was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a firearm and participating in a street gang. The charges stem from Meza-Nolazco’s death and shooting at others in the room 220 group.
Saldate was formally charged Thursday, but the District Attorney’s Office has not yet filed charges against Cruz.
In addition to the charges, Saldate faces enhancements for allegedly committing the crimes for the benefit of the Sureño street gang, according to the criminal complaint.
Parmley said the investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to search for additional suspects. He said neither Saldate nor Cruz were shot but it’s unknown if anyone else in either of the groups was.
Turlock Police ask anyone with information to call Detective Timothy Redd at 209-664-7325. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
This story was originally published September 10, 2020 at 10:56 AM.
