Atwater Police have issued a manhunt for the person responsible for shooting and killing Ethan Morse on March 15th, 2019 in Atwater.

After over a month of intense work by the Atwater Police Investigations unit in conjunction with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Dagoberto Franco Penaloza, 24-year-old is described to be 5-9, 170 lbs.

Penaloza’s last known address is 2712 Fordham Street in East Palo Alto.

The motive for the homicide is still under investigation according to chief Michael Salvador from the Atwater Police Department.

The department has secured a $1-million dollar warrant for Penaloza’s arrest.

Penaloza is known to frequent the area to work in the landscaping industry and has ties to the Bay area, Modesto and Red Bluff area.

If seen do not approach, he is considered armed and extremely dangerous, contact your law enforcement agency immediately.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is urged to call Atwater Police at 209-357-6396, Atwater investigations unit at 209-357-6384, Merced Area Crime Stoppers at 855-725-2420 or via text at 274637 (type Merced and your information)