Press Release

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Arrest Made in January 15th Homicide Investigation

Turlock, CA – On March 1, 2023, Turlock Police Detectives and Investigators with the Turlock Police Department Special Investigation Unit (S.I.U.) located Alejandro Rosales Ortuno, 23 years-old, at a Los Banos residence. Ortuno was identified as the person responsible for the January 15, 2023, shooting death of Turlock resident, Robert Morgan.

S.I.U. Investigators observed Ortuno driving away from the Los Banos home and with the assistance of the Los Banos Police Department a traffic enforcement stop was made. Ortuno was taken into custody without incident in the 1200 block of West I Street, and was transported from Los Banos to the Turlock Police Department for an interview. Ortuno was later booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on a no-bail homicide warrant and he remains in custody.

In connection to the homicide investigation, search warrants were served by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team at two Los Banos residences, located in the 200 block of Wisteria Avenue and the 2300 block of Rock Creek Drive. Once both residences were secured by the SWAT team, Turlock Police Detectives and S.I.U. Investigators searched both residences for evidence tied to the investigation.

Sergeant Victor Barcelos said, “I’m proud of the work our investigative teams put into this investigation. Our team is continuing to work on this investigation, and other recent crimes, to bring those responsible to justice.”

The Turlock Police Department would like to thank the Los Banos Police Department, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance with this investigation.

Detective Raul Garcia said, “Our sympathy goes out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of Ortuno starts to bring some sense of closure as they continue to mourn the loss of Robert.”

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation to call Detective Raul Garcia at (209) 664-7314. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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