MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KMPH) -
A Merced County couple spent most of Saturday barking at each other, to use the Sheriff's words. But the arguing ended in gunfire. The boyfriend is dead, his girlfriend in custody.
The shooting took place Saturday night at the El Nido trailer park. Just after ten, trailer park manager Vernie Redding heard a noise and decided to check on 20-year-old Grace Azevedo. "I heard screaming and I thought her and her boyfriend was fighting. I run in the trailer to help her, see what was going on and her boyfriend was laying on the floor. But she kept hollering he can't be dead he can't be dead. But the minute I seen him I knew he was dead."
27-year-old Robert Azevedo was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Grace Azevedo called 911 right after the shooting. She was taken into custody on one homicide count.
The couple has the same last name but they're not married. The two had been dating for a few months. Long-time trailer park resident John Turner said it was a volatile relationship. "The guy was hurting her. She has marks on her, bruises. Everybody knows that. I'm wondering why she's in jail."
Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin says his detectives are still investigating. It's up to the District Attorney to decide whether it's a homicide or a case of self defense.
