On June 28, 2024, 48-year-old Miguel Martinez-Mendoza was fatally shot during an illegal rooster fight near Lincoln and Westside Boulevards, just south of Livingston, California. Deputies first went to reports of a shooting shortly before midnight and found an adult male with non-life-threatening wounds who was taken to a hospital; a short time later, officers located Martinez-Mendoza at a residence in the 4000 block of Sunset Drive and he was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds.

Investigators say the deadly confrontation erupted at an illegal cockfighting event and that multiple rounds were fired. At least one shot was fired by Martinez-Mendoza and he was struck by return gunfire. Authorities interviewed attendees and recovered all firearms believed to be involved. The county Animal Services Bureau also responded and the 33-year-old property owner was arrested on suspicion of felony cruelty to animals; no arrests have been announced in connection with Martinez-Mendoza’s killing. Investigators are finalizing reports before submission to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who was at the event or has information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472.