Damian Wheaton, 47, was shot and killed on July 16, 2023, in the 1200 block of R Street in Merced. Officers arrived about 11:36 p.m. after multiple reports of a shooting and found Wheaton with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Some reports spell his name Damien.

Detectives identified 27-year-old Eruvey Deoro Muzquiz as the primary suspect and say he fled immediately after the shooting. A warrant has been issued for Muzquiz and, as of August 10, 2023, Merced police were actively seeking him. The motive and any relationship between Wheaton and Muzquiz have not been disclosed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Edwin Arias at (209) 388-7826 or [email protected]. Can anyone in Merced provide tips or observed activity in the 1200 block of R Street that night?