Two Men Killed in Separate Merced Shootings, One Suspect Dead, Other at Large

In Merced, California, two men have been fatally shot in separate incidents occurring within three days, raising community concerns about safety. The first shooting took place at the Osito Apartments near Midge and Glen avenues, where a 21-year-old man was found with a fatal gunshot wound following a physical altercation; despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect in this case fled but was later found dead in the county. The second shooting happened at a laundromat parking lot on the 800 block of S Street, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old man; the motive remains unclear, and the suspect fled on foot. Authorities believe the two shootings are unrelated and have not confirmed any gang involvement, with the Merced Police Department actively investigating and requesting public assistance. These incidents mark the fifth homicide in Merced in 2025, contributing to heightened fear among residents.