On April 16, 2024, at approximately 6:58 p.m., Turlock police responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of Wayside Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds. One victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the arm and was transported to a Modesto hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The second victim, identified as 19-year-old Amado "Dominic" Escobedo III of Ceres, was found lying in the roadway and, despite life-saving efforts, was
pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that the individuals involved were acquainted and that the shooting followed a brief altercation. The suspect was identified as a 17-year-old male from Turlock. On April 22, detectives located the suspect at the Stanislaus County Juvenile Detention Center, where he was already in custody for an unrelated case. The juvenile was rebooked on charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with Escobedo's death.
A search warrant executed at a residence in the 1200 block of Pioneer Avenue led to the seizure of additional evidence pertinent to the investigation. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the motive or the nature of the relationship between Escobedo and the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Blanc at 209-668-6540.
Escobedo was remembered by family and friends as a bright, caring, and loving individual whose presence could brighten any room. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Saige Valerie Escobedo, and cherished by his parents, siblings, and close friends. A memorial service was held in his honor on May 7, 2024.
