Los Banos Man Charged With Murder After Daylight Shooting

On June 9, 2023 at approximately 2:35 p.m., the Los Banos Police Department responded to the area of Pacheco Boulevard and Tanner Road after receiving a report of a male who was suffering from a gunshot wound.

When officers arrived they located 36-year-old Peter Robert Noriega Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso and officers attempted to render medical aid. The victim was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital Los Banos where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified 28-year-old Jay Romero of Los Banos as the suspect in this case and believe Romero and the victim were involved in a dispute just prior to the shooting. Romero was located shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the City of Merced, where Los Banos Detectives took him into custody with the assistance of the Merced Police Department. Romero was booked into the Merced Main Jail, charged with Murder; investigators believe Romero acted alone.

This case marks the first homicide investigation of the year for the City of Los Banos. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Stephen O'Day at (209) 827-2554. The Department kindly asks that the public remain mindful when leaving comments out of respect for the victim’s family.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-2545. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org

Originally Posted At: https://www.facebook.com/LosBanosPolice/photos/homicide-investigation-on-june-9-2023-at-approximately-235-pm-the-los-banos-poli/725224126304615/