Benjamin Avina Avila was 21 and a resident of Atwater, California when he died on June 29, 2022. According to reports, he was involved in a fatal altercation in a residential area of Atwater; witnesses heard gunshots and saw people fleeing. Emergency responders found Benjamin at the scene and he succumbed to his injuries there.

Investigators treated the death as a homicide and collected forensic evidence and witness statements. Several individuals were identified as suspects and arrests were made; those arrests included charges related to murder, conspiracy and firearms possession. Court proceedings in Merced County Superior Court followed, with prosecutors relying on ballistic reports, surveillance footage and witness testimony while defense attorneys challenged aspects of the evidence.

Benjamin’s family and the Atwater community held vigils and memorials in his memory. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Benjamin, please come forward to assist the investigation.