Update: Ceres Police need public’s help finding suspect in pair of shootings of transient men

The Ceres Police Department is investigating a possible homicide related to the death of 39-year-old Cipriano Casas on Sunday morning, the agency announced.

Casas was found with a gunshot wound near the canal next to the former Walmart at 1670 Mitchell Road. CPD received the report at about 12:30 a.m.

First responders tried to save Casas’ life, but were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Casas was listed as transient, but previously lived in Modesto, according to the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office.

Just a few minutes after receiving the first call, CPD responded to another shooting that happened about a mile away. A 53-year-old man, also transient, was shot but suffered only minor injuries and is currently recovering.

CPD spokesperson Sgt. Dirk Nieuwenhuis said the department doesn’t know if the two shootings are connected but that it was “in the back of your head” for investigators.

On Wednesday, the department announced they had the description of a person of interest in the case: a five-foot, seven-inch man with a heavier or stocky build, dark hair and wearing dark clothing.

“While his direct involvement in the shootings has not been confirmed, police are eager to identify and speak with him,” read CPD Facebook post.

Nieuwenhuis said that at this point in the investigation, only the time and proximity of the two shootings were linking them. CPD does not know if either of the shootings were targeted or random. CPD stated that “a clear reason” had yet to be established.

Investigators are actively seeking leads to identify the suspect. A canvass in the northeastern area of Ceres is underway and Police are requesting the public’s assistance. Homeowners and business owners were encouraged to review their surveillance footage for “any suspicious individuals matching the described profile or anyone who appeared out of place between 9 p.m. on Oct. 12 until 2 a.m. on Oct. 13.

Key areas of interest to CPD include:

• Homes along the Hatch Rd canal bank from Mitchell Rd to Faith Home Rd.

• Properties along Faith Home Rd to Whitmore Ave.

• Residences on Fowler Rd from Booth Rd to Rose Ave.

• Businesses on Mitchell Rd from River Rd to Whitmore Rd.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to these incidents to reach out to Detective Berlier at (209) 538-5616 or to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers via their website or by calling 1-866-60-CRIME (1-866-60-27463).