Jerry Gomez, 36, was found dead in the driver’s seat of a car on the afternoon of July 4, 2021, in the Franz Bakery Outlet parking lot on Southwest Fourth Avenue in Ontario, Oregon. Police responded to a call about 4:30 p.m.; investigators reported signs of trauma and opened a homicide investigation.

Authorities said they believed the death might be gang-related, citing Gomez’s past interactions with law enforcement and the company he kept. Family members disputed that theory, saying the motive was more likely a personal conflict; his brother Stevie Gomez said Jerry had been expected at a family barbecue later that day. Gomez worked in construction.

A major crimes unit including detectives from the Ontario Police Department, the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police handled the case. No arrests were announced immediately, though the chief deputy district attorney said there were suspects; police reported limited witness cooperation.

If anyone knew Jerry or saw activity in the Franz Bakery Outlet parking lot that afternoon, please share what you know.