On April 29th, a confrontation between Merced County Sheriff’s deputies and a group of individuals in Winton, California, culminated in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy. The incident, which transpired at a cemetery approximately an hour north of Fresno, has sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the use of lethal force.
According to law enforcement officials, deputies responded to reports of suspected gang members brandishing weapons at the cemetery. Upon their arrival, multiple individuals fled the scene, hastily entering a nearby vehicle.
A pursuit ensued, lasting approximately three and a half minutes, with first responders trailing the suspect vehicle until it collided with a parked car. The occupants then abandoned the vehicle and dispersed on foot.
Body camera footage released by the sheriff’s department captures a deputy pursuing 17-year-old Jonathan Daniel Diaz Duarte, who authorities allege was affiliated with street gangs and armed with an AR-15 rifle.
Merced County Sheriff's deputy chases 17-year-old Jonathan Daniel Diaz Duarte
The footage shows the deputy repeatedly ordering Diaz Duarte to halt and show his hands, but the teenager continues to flee.
A second deputy, Lucy Lopez, joined the pursuit and spotted Diaz Duarte. As Lopez gave chase, she deployed her taser, but it failed to stop the suspect. Despite repeated commands to drop the AR-15, Diaz Duarte allegedly opened fire, striking Lopez in the ear.
Merced County Sheriff's deputy Lucy Lopez
Lopez retaliated, discharging her firearm three times and fatally wounding Diaz Duarte.
Following the shooting, deputies confirmed that Diaz Duarte was in possession of an AR-15 platform rifle without a stock, a modification that experts say enhances the weapon’s concealability.
Both Diaz Duarte and Deputy Lopez received immediate medical attention at the scene. However, Diaz Duarte succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Deputy Lopez is anticipated to make a full recovery.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has launched an internal investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The incident has also prompted scrutiny from the community, with questions raised about the use of deadly force and the circumstances leading up to the fatal confrontation.
