Mario Meza-Nolazco Jr., a 26-year-old resident of Modesto, California, was tragically shot and killed on September 7, 2020, in Turlock, CA. The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. near the 200 block of North Tully Road. Responding to reports of gunfire, Turlock police found Meza with at least one gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
The investigation into Meza's death led to the arrest of two suspects.
Initially, 20-year-old Miguel Saldate was detained at the scene and subsequently charged with attempted homicide and other felony charges. Further investigation identified a second suspect, 19-year-old Juan Jose Cruz Jr. Cruz was interviewed by authorities at the Turlock Police Department on September 9, 2020, and was arrested on charges of homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both suspects were booked into the Stanislaus County Jail.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional parties being involved in the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives working to identify all individuals connected to the case. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the young age of the suspects involved. The community has been urged to provide any information that could help bring justice for Mario Meza-Nolazco Jr. and his family.
