Winton, CA (January 9, 2026) — A 42-year-old Atwater man has been arrested on an attempted murder charge following a January shooting in Winton, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were first called to the 6900 block of Winton Way on Jan. 14, 2026, after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, deputies located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim received medical care, and detectives took over the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Jose Miguel Martinez-Zarate, 42, of Atwater, as the suspect.
On Feb. 9, 2026, detectives located Martinez-Zarate at the Town and Country Motel in Livingston, where he was taken into custody without incident. Authorities said he is being booked into the Merced County Jail on a charge of attempted murder.
Officials have not released the victim’s identity, the victim’s condition, or details about what led up to the shooting. No additional suspects have been announced.
