Authorities Have Identified Two 14-Year-old Boys killed In A Shooting On East 13th Street In Merced

Two 14-year-olds Killed in Merced Shooting Identified

Family members have identified two young boys who were tragically killed in a shooting on East 13th Street in Merced on January 19. Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green, both 14 years old, were found dead near the Merced Behavioral Center around 7 p.m. after police responded to reports of gunfire in the area. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene, marking the second and third homicides in Merced this year, amid a concerning rise in gun violence across the city.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, but Merced police have indicated that the incident does not appear to be gang-related. Sergeant Christian Lupian, a spokesperson for the Merced Police Department, explained that authorities are actively reviewing witness statements and video surveillance footage to identify suspects who are still at large. The community has been left devastated, with memorials forming at the scene as mourners gather to pay their respects and grieve the loss of the young lives.

According to Sgt. Lupian, investigators are exploring multiple accounts of what transpired. One version suggests that the three boys may have been attempting to rob someone in the area when gunfire erupted. Witnesses reportedly heard that the alleged victim began shooting, striking two of the boys, while the third ran away. However, Lupian emphasized that authorities are still working to verify this account, and no definitive conclusions have been reached yet.

The community’s grief has been palpable, with many expressing concern over the ongoing gun violence affecting Merced’s youth. Walter Smith, a commissioner for Merced Recreation and Park, called for an end to the violence, describing it as “senseless” and urging residents and authorities alike to work together to prevent such tragedies from recurring. “This right here, this is senseless killing. These crimes got to stop. It’s got to stop,” Smith stated passionately, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and preventative measures.

The deaths of Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green are a stark reminder of the growing violence impacting young people in the area. As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains in mourning, hoping for justice and measures to curb the alarming trend of gun violence. The loss of these two boys has deeply shaken Merced, prompting calls for increased safety efforts and community engagement to protect its youth from further tragedy.