On April 24th, 2019, at approximately 4:52 p.m., the Merced Police Swat team, Dart Unit, GVSU and the Merced Gang Suppression unit served four search warrants at the Gateway Motel located at 1407 West 16th Street.

A 17-year-old was arrested at that location, in connection to the death of 28-year-old Raymond Angeles Jr. who was found deceased on April 9th, 2019, in an empty field in the dead end of Main Street near V street.

Officers also arrested 21-year-old Richard Rivera Jr from Yuba City, Rivera was arrested in Yuba City by Sutter County Task Force, the vehicle was also seized for evidence.

Two juveniles arrested are from Merced, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old. The third juvenile 17-year-old is from Monterey County. All three teenagers are being charged with gang enhancements and homicide.

The teenagers were booked into Merced County Juvenile Hall on homicide charges with gang enhancements.

According to jail records Rivera is held in lieu of $1 million in bail for murder and gang enhancements.

Detective Ray Alvarez said during the live press release “the suspects have a teenaged sister who had been in a previous gang-related altercation during the day with the daughter of the victim’s girlfriend”.

Raymond went to the Gateway Motel and an altercation happened between the gang members and him. Raymond was then chased and shot in the field.