Lajawn Cokley, 34, was killed in a violent home invasion in Merced, California, on January 25, 2019. Shortly after midnight he answered a knock at the front door and was shot by armed suspects who confronted him. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. His girlfriend, Yolanda Ames, was inside during the attack; she says the suspects entered the home, pointed a gun at her and demanded money and valuables before fleeing.

Merced Police investigated the homicide and later apprehended three suspects in Oakland after a police chase. One of those arrested, 28-year-old James Martin, was charged with homicide. Authorities said the motive remained unclear and said they were exploring possibilities including a drug deal, a gun deal or other criminal activity gone wrong.

Friends and family held vigils for Cokley and described him as a loving father and caring community member. Does anyone have information about events that led up to that night or who else might have seen suspicious activity in the area?