The Latest Breaking News from Merced

In 1982, a California cheese maker donated thousands of acres from his dairy ranch; 44 years later crews removed his old cattle levees and reconnected the San Joaquin River to 220 acres of floodplain

For over 70 years, a section of California’s San Joaquin River was cut off from the land it once naturally fed. Old levees, not built to hold back a river but to hold cattle, had quietly changed the landscape. Then in 2026 crews started to undo that history. Great Valley…

The Times of India · Aug 21

Trafficking victims endured ‘horrible conditions’ in US illegal drug operation

Police in California discovered dozens of people forced to work in illicit marijuana business after being brought across border

The Guardian - US · Jul 28, 2023

10-year-old boy dies after fight with another child at California trampoline park

LOS ANGELES — A 10-year-old boy died this week from injuries he received in a fight with another boy at a Merced trampoline park, authorities said.

Los Angeles Times · Apr 18, 2023

California storm death toll reaches 16 as more rain, winds arrive. Damage could top $1 billion

SAN FRANCISCO — The latest in a series of intense winter storms continued to lash Northern California on Tuesday, bringing periods of thunderstorms, heavy rain, wind and hail to the already waterlogged region as the death toll from the extreme weather climbs.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 10, 2023

They begged social workers to save 8-year-old Sophia Mason. She was found dead in a bathtub

Before 8-year-old Sophia Mason's body was found curled inside a bathtub in a Merced home, the young girl's extended family tried desperately to raise the alarm.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 19, 2022

Felon accused of California family’s massacre enters plea to 4 counts of murder

MERCED, Calif. — Jesus Manuel Salgado, the Merced man charged with killing an 8-month old, her parents and uncle, pleaded not guilty Thursday to four counts of first degree murder with special circumstances.

Tribune News Service · Oct 13, 2022

Merced man charged with 4 counts of murder in family kidnapping

LOS ANGELES — The Merced man accused of kidnapping and killing a family was charged Monday with four counts of first-degree murder for each life lost, prosecutors announced.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 10, 2022

Merced family recalls 2005 armed robbery by suspect in kidnappings, slayings

MERCED, Calif. — When Kathy and her daughter Katrina first saw surveillance images of the man accused of kidnapping and killing four members of a Merced family, they did not immediately recognize him.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 7, 2022

Brother of suspect in California family's killing arrested

Authorities have arrested the brother of a man suspected in the kidnapping and killing of a central California family on suspicion that he helped him destroy evidence

The Independent UK · Oct 7, 2022

Brother of man suspected in killing of Merced family is arrested

LOS ANGELES — The brother of a man suspected of kidnapping and killing four members of a Merced family, including an 8-month-old girl, has been arrested and charged as an accessory, authorities announced Friday.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 7, 2022