On June 28, 2024, 48-year-old Miguel Martinez-Mendoza was fatally shot during an illegal rooster fight in Livingston, California. Merced County Sheriff's deputies initially responded to reports of a shooting near Lincoln and Westside Boulevards, just south of Livingston, shortly before midnight. Upon arrival, they found an adult male with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, who was transported to a local hospital.
Subsequently, deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 4000 block of Sunset Drive in Livingston, where they discovered Martinez-Mendoza deceased from gunshot wounds. Investigations revealed that the incident occurred during an altercation at an illegal rooster fighting event held at that location. During the confrontation, multiple rounds were fired, including at least one shot by Martinez-Mendoza, who was ultimately struck by return gunfire. Authorities interviewed attendees and recovered all firearms believed to be involved in the incident.
The Merced County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Bureau responded to investigate the illegal rooster fighting activities. The 33-year-old property owner was arrested on suspicion of felony cruelty to animals. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal shooting of Martinez-Mendoza. Investigators are finalizing their findings before submitting them to the Merced County District Attorney's Office. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472.
