September 26, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on September 17, 2021, Detectives responded to a canal bank in the area of Denton Road and Leak Road in Dos Palos for a homicide investigation. The victim, Christian Castillo, was found deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

For nearly five years, Detectives remained committed to the investigation, conducting numerous interviews, developing, and corroborating evidence, and following up on leads. Their continued dedication and persistence ultimately led to identifying the suspect as 32-year-old Isaac Rea Perez of Firebaugh. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Perez and, on the morning of August 27, 2026, Detectives served the warrant at Kern Valley State Prison as Perez was being released. Perez was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail on the warrant for murder.

This case is a testament to the dedication and persistence of our Detectives, who continued pursuing justice for Christian Castillo and his family years after the homicide occurred. Their unwavering commitment demonstrates that no case is forgotten, and no family is forgotten. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office