News

Loved Ones Mourn Loss of Ceres Woman Killed in Shooting

Published

7 months ago

August 18, 2020

CERES – A woman shot and killed last week was identified on a GoFundMe page where her loved ones are seeking help with funeral costs.

Yessica Mendoza was 29 years old. She was shot Thursday night on the 3900 block of Suncrest Drive in Ceres. She was a young mother of three children.

At about 9:17pm Thursday, police received a call reporting a person shot. The caller reported her husband’s friend had just shot a woman. Authorities also received another phone call indicating the woman had shot herself.

Authorities at the scene said the suspect, identified as 29 year old Daniel Garcia, was staying at the residence where the shooting occurred. They believe Yessica came over to visit at some point in the day.

Arriving officers found the victim down in the grass bleeding from at least one gunshot wound. They began lifesaving measures on the woman and performed CPR until medics arrived. Police officers searched the home to make sure there were no suspects inside and no one else was injured, escorting the occupants out of the house.

Garcia was detained as a person of interest after declining to cooperate with authorities. A small caliber handgun was later located near the victim in the grass.

Garcia was taken to the Ceres Police Department to be interviewed by detectives, and was later booked into the Stanislaus County Safety Center for homicide. Authorities say he and the victim have children together.

The victim was rushed to a hospital by ambulance where she died from her injuries. A GoFundMe account was created to help with funeral costs.

“We weren’t prepared for such a tragedy. We need all the help we can get to give her a proper burial and lay her body to rest”

If you would like to donate, you can do so via GoFundMe by CLICKING HERE.

Related Topics:ceres homicide shooting victim

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Gaby Muro

Gaby Muro is a journalist specializing in local issues and breaking news. She holds two degrees from San Joaquin Delta College. In 2018, she was considered one of the top 40 journalism students in the United States and received a scholarship to cover international conflict news near the Israeli-Syrian Border for 10 Days. Some of her work as a student has been submitted to the Student Emmy Awards. She was crowned the 2019 Miss Merced County title holder through the Miss America Organization and competed for the title of Miss California, advocating for epilepsy awareness. She has been featured on Investigation Discovery, profiling local homicide cases. Gaby is a native of Stockton, California.

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News

Passengers Walk Away From Plane Crash in Lodi

Published

3 days ago

March 3, 2021

Gaby Muro

Photo: San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office

LODI – Two passengers of an airplane that crashed during a training flight walked away without injuries Wednesday afternoon.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office received calls to their dispatch center at about 12:30pm reporting the plane crash. The incident happened near the 16000 block of North Fox Road in Lodi.

Authorities said a Cessna 150 with two occupants took off from Lodi Wednesday morning and were headed to the Linden area for training. At about 3,000 feet the plane began experiencing mechanical issues, resulting in a hard landing.

Authorities say the investigation into the crash is ongoing.

News

High School Teacher Arrested

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2021

Gaby Muro

MODESTO – A high school teacher was arrested Monday after a police investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Patrick Mester was charged with annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18. He was arrested by Modesto Police Special Victims Unit Detectives.

Mester was employed with the Modesto City Schools District since the 2003-2004 school year. He taught music and band at Enochs High School since the 2007-2008 school year.

Mester’s ability to visit school grounds and have contact with students was revoked by the district, authorities said.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Garza at garzaj@modestopd.com or (209) 572-9564.

News

Police Investigate Early Evening Shooting

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2021

Gaby Muro

STOCKTON – Two victims with gunshot wounds arrived at a local hospital early Monday evening prompting an investigation.

At about 7:30pm, authorities received a report of gunfire on the 300 block of East Oak Street, between North San Joaquin and North Sutter Streets. Early indications suggest the victims arrived by private vehicle at a hospital.

Shortly before 8:00pm, a report was made of another victim arriving at a hospital.

Police responded to the area to gather evidence and investigate. No further details were available at time of publication.