Ethan Morse, a 22-year-old resident of Atwater, California, tragically lost his life on March 15, 2019. Ethan was shot and killed shortly after dropping off his daughter at daycare. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. near Fir Avenue and Winton Way in Atwater. Despite being rushed to Mercy Hospital in Merced, he succumbed to his injuries. Ethan was the son of former Merced County District Attorney Larry Morse, which brought significant attention to the case.
The investigation into Ethan's death revealed that he was killed in a drive-by shooting. The Atwater Police Department identified the suspected killer as 26-year-old Dagoberto Penaloza. Penaloza, who was last known to reside in Palo Alto, was also wanted in connection with an attempted homicide in Menlo Park. The authorities issued a $1 million arrest warrant for Penaloza in relation to Ethan's murder and an additional $11 million warrant for the attempted murder case. Surveillance footage captured Penaloza on the day of the murder, and he was known to work in landscaping in both the Bay Area and the Modesto-Red Bluff area.
Ethan Morse's death was not his first encounter with violence and the legal system. In 2014, he was arrested and accused of murder in connection with a shooting at a house party. However, a judge later declared him factually innocent. Following this, Ethan filed a lawsuit against Merced County, a Sheriff's lieutenant, and a deputy for violating his civil rights by recklessly lying to obtain an arrest warrant. He won the lawsuit and was awarded over half a million dollars in damages. Ethan had planned to use the proceeds from this settlement to endow a wrestling scholarship at his alma mater, Golden Valley High School, where he had been a standout wrestler.
The case of Ethan Morse's murder remains a poignant reminder of the violence that can abruptly end young lives and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to the victims and their families. The Atwater Police Department continues to seek information regarding Penaloza's whereabouts, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.
