Nearly three years after 17-year-old Dylan Ray Dooling was fatally stabbed while leaving a house party in north Turlock, police say they are now asking prosecutors to file a murder charge in the case. Turlock police announced Friday that new evidence has surfaced and that the investigation into Dooling’s 2023 killing is still very much alive.
Police Submit Case To District Attorney
Investigators recently turned over their case to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office and formally requested a murder charge, according to CBS Sacramento. Police said the suspect was a minor at the time of the June 2, 2023 stabbing and is now an adult serving time in state prison for an unrelated offense. Because the suspect was a juvenile during the incident, the person’s name has not been released. “Dylan was a young man who had just graduated high school and had his whole life ahead of him,” Detective Frank Navarro said. Police Chief Jason Hedden added, “While nothing can undo that loss, our department has remained committed to pursuing justice.”
What Happened In 2023
The stabbing happened the night of June 2, 2023, in the 2000 block of North Daubenberger Road. Officers were called out around 10:46 p.m. and found Dooling on a sidewalk with a stab wound. First responders began first aid and CPR at the scene, and he was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Dooling had graduated from Pitman High School just the day before and was planning to attend Modesto Junior College that fall, according to reporting by the Turlock Journal.
Investigation And Next Steps
Police say detectives have spent the years since the killing interviewing witnesses, combing through evidence and tracking down leads. They told CBS that additional evidence that emerged over time allowed them to push for a murder charge.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office will review the case and decide whether to file formal charges. If prosecutors move forward, the DA’s office would handle the filing of a complaint, arraignment and related public documents.
Community Reaction And Tips
In the aftermath of Dooling’s death, family and friends organized vigils and launched a fundraiser, while officers repeatedly urged the public to share any photos or videos that could help identify those involved, as reported by The Modesto Bee.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Frank Navarro at (209) 664-7319, the Turlock Police tip line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6780, or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.
