On the late afternoon of February 25, 2026, a dispute at Applegate Park in Merced near 25th and P Streets turned deadly when 23-year-old Kashawn Kraz Bradley was shot during a verbal confrontation. First responders arrived around 2:45 p.m., found him critically injured with multiple gunshot wounds, and transported him to a local hospital where he later died. Several people were in the park at the time; no one else was reported hurt.

Merced Police Department opened a homicide investigation, processed the scene, and interviewed witnesses. Investigators identified an 18-year-old person of interest, Ryan Santos, and located and arrested him on February 26, 2026. Detectives have not released a motive, and the investigation remains active. A GoFundMe organized by Janiya Neely seeks to help cover Bradley’s funeral and memorial expenses.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has surveillance footage from Applegate Park that could help the investigation, please share what is known with police.