Merced, CA (November 20, 2025) — One of the two suspects accused of stealing pumpkins grown by students at St. Paul’s School has been arrested, according to an update from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
The theft occurred on the morning of October 11, 2025 at St. Paul’s School on the 2900 block of McKee Avenue in Merced. A male and female suspect took several pumpkins cultivated by children at the school. The Sheriff’s Office previously released information seeking public assistance.
Detectives received numerous community tips that led to the identification of the male suspect, Jose Manuel Castro, 47, of Livingston. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant, and on October 24, 2025, Castro was arrested by Merced Police Department officers. He was booked into the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Jail on theft-related charges.
As of the latest update, the female suspect has not been positively identified, and the case remains active.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the female suspect or the incident to call (209) 385-7547, email [email protected], or message the Merced County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Officials thanked community members for their assistance, noting that public tips were instrumental in identifying and locating the arrested suspect.
