Press Release

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

PRESS RELEASE: Tip Turns into a Homicide Investigation; Suspect Quickly Arrested

On Monday, December 12, 2022, acting on a tip, Turlock Police Officers responded to the 1300 block of West Linwood Avenue to check on the welfare of a man. Officers were told a man, who had possibly been assaulted, could be found in an abandoned building.

When officers arrived at the abandoned building around 12:13 p.m., they discovered a partially burned room with a deceased adult man inside. Turlock Police Detectives were called to the scene to take over the investigation. After obtaining a search warrant for the location, Detectives were able to take a closer look at the evidence and discovered the victim may have been assaulted.

Detectives and Investigators with the Stanislaus County Fire Investigation Unit spent hours at the location processing the scene. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office responded and took custody of the body. Police are not releasing the name of the victim until next of kin can be notified.

Yesterday, Detectives and Investigators with Special Investigations Unit worked on leads and interviewed multiple witnesses. They were able to identify Turlock resident, Danny Stevens, 58 years-old, as a person of interest. Stevens was arrested on Esperanza Court around 2:20 p.m., after he made an attempt to evade police contact.

Stevens was transported to the Turlock Police Department and interviewed. He was later booked at the Stanislaus County Jail where he remains in custody without bail on homicide charges.

Stevens is believed to have known the victim for only a short time, leaving the motive unclear. There is no indication that this was a random act of violence.

Captain Steve Rodrigues said, “Detectives are relentlessly working this investigation to determine why this senseless crime occurred. Please help by calling if you have any information about this crime.”

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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