Yesterday, a tragic incident unfolded at the Howard Johnson Inn in Ceres, where a report of suspicious circumstances led to the discovery of an unresponsive man with a fatal gunshot wound. According to a social media post by the Ceres Police Department, law enforcement was called to the scene at 1672 Herndon Road after an employee found the victim in one of the motel rooms alongside a handgun.
Modesto Fire Department personnel responded to the incident shortly after police arrived and confirmed the individual was deceased. Concurrently, a separate investigation was taking place nearby, following up on a reported case of domestic violence. A female subject, claiming to be a victim of domestic abuse possibly connected to the motel, fled in her vehicle with her juvenile child when questioned by the officers. She eventually crashed after a brief pursuit, and was apprehended in a Food 4 Less parking lot, as mentioned by the Ceres Police Department.
Detectives determined the vehicle was registered to the deceased male. The woman, during an interview with detectives, admitted to having an 18-year relationship with the victim and confessed to shooting him. She was subsequently arrested on several charges, including murder and child endangerment. The juvenile was placed under the care of Child Protective Services. The names of those involved have not been released, as the investigation is still in progress. The Ceres Police Department has requested anyone with relevant information to reach out to assist in their ongoing efforts.
Sgt. Berber of the Ceres Police Department is the primary contact for this case, the department confirms. Community members with any information are encouraged to promptly contact him at (209) 538-5672.
