TURLOCK, Calif. — A Livingston man who allegedly stalked a woman in Merced County in 2021 has been arrested for killing her in Turlock this past week.
According to a Facebook post from the Turlock Police Department, police responded to reports of a shooting Tuesday night near Geer Road. When officers arrived, police saw a light color sedan leave the area. The driver eventually crashed into a fence near the 1300 block of North Quincy Road and attempted to flee on foot before he was eventually arrested.
The driver was arrested and identified as 22-year-old Juan Francisco Ibarra-Tapia, of Livingston. Detectives recovered the gun he allegedly used.
During the investigation, officers found the victim, 22-year-old Zobeyda Esquerra, of Livingston, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to an area hospital where she eventually died from her injuries.
Police said Ibarra-Tapia knew Esquerra and was arrested in October 2021 for stalking her.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of the suspect brings some sense of closure as they mourn the loss of Zoe," Turlock police detective Gina Giovacchini said in a statement.
Detectives also determined there was another crime scene that involved Ibarra-Tapia Tuesday. Police allege he also shot at two employees at O'Reilly Auto Parts along Geer Road. The employees were not injured, but detectives said it was not a random shooting.
Ibarra-Tapia has been arrested on charges of homicide, two counts of attempted homicide, and evading arrest. He was booked in the Stanislas County Jail without bail.
"These are the cases we wish we could have done something to prevent, and all we can do now is our absolute best to make sure that family sees justice," said Lt. Neil Cervenka, spokesperson for the police department.
Esquerra's family said she worked with the suspect at an O'Reilly's in Livingston and that the suspect stalked her last summer. He was arrested on stalking charges in October, but when the emergency protective order expired, they say he started stalking her again, giving Esquerra panic attacks.
There is a GoFundMe page where people can donate towards Esquerra's funeral expenses. Anyone with more information can contact Detective Gina Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539.
Sexual violence resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
- Voice: (800) 799-7233
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Voice: (888) 373-7888
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
- Voice: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
- California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA)
- W.E.A.V.E.: Women Escaping a Violent Environment 1-866-920-2952
- RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
- NSVRC: National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- National Sexual Abuse Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE 1-800-656-4673
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