Izrael Villegas, an 18-year-old resident of Turlock, California, was found dead from a single gunshot wound on May 20, 2020, around 1 a.m. in the 4300 block of Cherry Blossom Lane. The Turlock Police Department opened an investigation and detectives say the motive was drug-related.

Three Modesto men have been identified in connection with the case. Robert Omar Branche, 22, was already in custody on an unrelated charge when interviewed and was rebooked on murder and robbery charges. Jose Carmona, 30, was arrested in Oakdale on January 6, 2021, and booked on murder and robbery charges. Owen Ramos, 23, went to the Turlock Police Department on March 10, 2021, and was arrested and booked on robbery charges.

The investigation is described as ongoing and detectives continue to seek information from the public. If anyone has information about Izrael Villegas or the events that night, please come forward.