Above: Alejandro Ortuno booking photo | Turlock PD
The Turlock Police Department has announced the arrest of a primary suspect in connection a fatal shooting back in January of this year.
In a press release dated Thursday, March 2, police identified 23-year-old Alejandro Rosales Ortuno as the suspect in the January 15 shooting death of Robert Morgan of Turlock.
Turlock Police detectives and SIU investigators located and arrested Ortuno in Los Banos the day before, March 1.
According to the press release, Ortuno was arrested during a traffic stop on the 1200 block of West I Street, with the help of Los Banos PD, after investigators observed him leaving the residence where he was located.
Authorities in neighboring Merced County also served two search warrants in Los Banos related to the investigation — one on the 200 block of Wisteria Avenue and another on the 2300 block of Rock Creek Drive. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team secured the residences, and Turlock PD detectives and SIU investigators conducted a search.
Following an interview, Ortuno was booked on a no-bail homicide warrant and remains in custody at the Stanislaus County jail, police said.
“I’m proud of the work our investigative teams put into this investigation,” Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos said. “Our team is continuing to work on this investigation, and other recent crimes, to bring those responsible to justice.”
The investigation and arrest were a coordinated effort between the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, and the Los Banos Police Department.
Despite the arrest, investigators are continuing to gather information related to the case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to Detective Raul Garcia at (209) 664-7314.
Tips may also be left with the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550, extension 6780, or via email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
“Our sympathy goes out to the victim’s family,” Detective Garcia said, “and we hope the arrest of Ortuno starts to bring some sense of closure as they continue to mourn the loss of Robert.”
