Merced, CA (October 29, 2025) — According to a press release issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Central Division Major Crimes Unit, investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in a homicide case dating back to June 2021.
The release states that on June 15, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers from the CHP Merced Area responded to reports of a freeway shooting on southbound State Route 99 near Franklin Road. Upon arrival, they discovered the driver of a blue Dodge Dart had been fatally shot. The driver was identified as 25-year-old Timothy Lamore Sheeler Jr., a resident of Winton, California.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit say they recently received new information and continue to actively pursue leads in the case. They encourage anyone with additional information to contact Detective O. Martinez at (209) 321-0089 or the CHP Merced Communications Center at (209) 356-2900, referencing case number 21-460-0665. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Merced Area Crime Stoppers at (855) 725-2420 or by visiting www.p3tips.com.
At this time, there is no publicly released information indicating that a suspect has been charged or apprehended in connection with this shooting. It remains an open investigation.
Full press release can be viewed below.
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
NEWS RELEASEInvestigative Services Unit / Central Division
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025CHP CENTRAL DIVISION MAJOR CRIMES UNIT SEEKS PUBLIC’S HELP IN 2021 FREEWAY MURDER INVESTIGATION
MERCED, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Central Division Major Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in gathering information related to an ongoing homicide investigation from 2021.
On June 15, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers from the CHP Merced Area responded to reports of a freeway shooting on southbound State Route 99 near Franklin Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered the driver of a blue Dodge Dart had been fatally shot. The victim was identified as 25-year-old Timothy Lamore Sheeler Jr., a resident of Winton, California.
Major Crimes detectives recently received new information and continue to actively pursue leads in the case. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective O. Martinez at (209) 321-0089 or the CHP Merced Communications Center at (209) 356-2900. Please reference case number 21-460-0665.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Merced Area Crime Stoppers by calling (855) 725-2420 or visiting www.p3tips.com.
The CHP remains committed to providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.
CONTACT
Officer Hector Carias
559-603-7740
[email protected]
