Peter Her, 24, of Merced, California, was found the night of September 30, 2005, near railroad tracks along Santa Fe Avenue close to McKee Road. Responding officers at first thought he might have been struck by a train, but after transport to hospital it became clear his injuries were inconsistent with that and instead indicated a severe head injury from foul play. He died from those injuries on October 5, 2005.

The death was investigated as a homicide and remains unsolved. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has kept the file open as case number 05-36166 and has repeatedly asked the public for any information, including anonymous tips, that might lead to a break in the case.

If anyone remembers unusual activity in the Santa Fe Avenue or McKee Road area around the end of September 2005 or has information about Peter Her’s death, please contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.