Luis Angel Zavaleta-Rios was 15 when he was shot and killed on May 7, 2014, on a sidewalk in front of a park in Merced, California, about one block from his home. The shooting happened in public and left his family and friends devastated.

Initial details about motive and the shooter were unclear, and investigators faced challenges including few immediate leads and witnesses unwilling to come forward. The Merced Police Department conducted an extended investigation and eventually identified suspects and made arrests in connection with his murder.

The case drew attention in the community as an example of youth violence and the need for cooperation with law enforcement. If anyone saw what happened that day or has information that could add to the record, please share what is known with the Merced Police Department.