A 22-year-old man from Merced died Saturday night after being shot during a family dispute, according to the Merced Police Department.
Police reported that Fernando Gutierrez, 26, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter following the incident. Lt. Jose Barajas of the Merced police said the shooting took place at a residence on the 1000 block of O Street at approximately 9:35 p.m.
According to statements made to officers, Gutierrez fired a shotgun into the air in an attempt to stop an argument among family members. The single blast struck the victim in the head, resulting in his death. The victim’s name has not been released.
Barajas stated that “according to statements, the shooting was accidental.” He also noted that Gutierrez stayed at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. Family members were reportedly “hanging out and drinking” before an argument escalated into a physical altercation.
Gutierrez was booked into Merced County jail around 2 a.m. Sunday.
