Post by Scumhunter on Aug 26, 2021 0:43:09 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: kmph.com, click to enlarge).
Moderator Update: Troy Melton, pictured right is still at large as of July 22nd, 2022. Marcellus Harris, pictured left was arrested in July of 2022.
From kmph.com:
MERCED, Calif. (FOX26) — The family of an 18-year-old who was shot and killed in Merced last month held a gathering to remember his life on Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
More than 50 loved ones of Dominic Hernandez are now pushing for justice exactly one month after the teenager was shot and killed near a Walmart parking on Olive and Loughborough in Merced.
“I grew up with him and that’s been like my best friend," said 19-year-old Angelo Espinoza, a close cousin of Hernandez, "If you knew him you just know he’s full of love, he cares about other people and he’s just so outgoing, amazing, courageous, and my brother had a big heart for sure and this doesn’t feel right.”
“We want to continue to encourage anyone with info on [the suspects] whereabouts to call and drop a tip on the [Merced Police Department] tip line,” said Roshanna Dickerson, Hernandez's aunt, “I know as time goes on people tend to forget about these kinds of events but unfortunately for my sister, she will have to live with this headache and pain for a lifetime.”
"He was all about his family, me, and just getting somewhere in life," said Ceanna Ontiveros, Hernandez's girlfriend at the time of his murder.
Ontiveros was in the car with him when the shooting happened.
“I just want everyone to know that Dom had real goals in life," said Ontiveros, "He was nothing a part of what everyone tries to make him out to be, he did not deserve this at all.”
"Dominick is, was such a loving person," said Dickerson, "He would make anybody laugh, he was hilarious.”
Loved ones of Hernandez are pushing for justice. Dickerson says they will continue to protest on the 19th of each month on the corner of Olive and Loughborough until justice has been served.
"The suspects have not been caught," said Dickerson, "The Merced Police Department has issued a warrant and I know as time goes on people tend to forget about instances like this and we don’t want that to happen."
The Merced Police posted pictures of the two suspects to Facebook. 19-year-old Troy Melton and 20-year-old Marcellus Tremayne Harris, both of Merced.
"Marcellus Harris, I know his mom she was a coworker of mine and I know they’ve said, people have said negative things towards her and her family but coming from Dominick's parents we don’t wish any harm on anybody, we want justice you know we just want it done the right way," said Dickerson, "We want everybody to share the pictures of the suspects, you know, anybody with information, contact the Merced Police Department, we’re just hoping that we're able to catch the suspects and justice can be served.”
The Merced Police Department says the two suspects are likely out-of-state. The department says it's working with another agency to get the suspects into custody and bring them back to the valley.
kmph.com/news/local/family-of-18-year-old-murder-victim-wants-justice
Additional article on case: goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/31900-second-homicide-suspect-identified-in-the-merced-shooting-death-of-18-year-old-atwater-man
Thoughts? Even though I currently can't find Harris or Melton listed on Merced Area Crime Stoppers, which is usually up-to-date with recent fugitives wanted for murder in their area, I am still reasonably assuming the two are still at large as of today's posting date (August 26th, 2021) since there have been numerous articles as well as I saw postings to In Pursuit's Facebook group (I want to stress we are only a fan page but I will pass the case along to a contact I have for recommendation for future seasons if they aren't caught). This is a very sad case, and I hope Dominic gets justice.
Admin Note #1: According to online articles:
"Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Radke at 209-385-7725 or by email at radkep@cityofmerced.org.
Other ways to contact us or report crime include:
For any emergency call or text 911
For non-emergency call 209-385-6912
Anonymous Tip Line (Non-emergency) call 209-385-4725"
Anonymous Tips online at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org/index.html.
Admin Note #2: If you have any (news-related) updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
