The Yuba City Police Department is actively seeking public assistance in locating Jose “Jay” Yepez, an 18-year-old man from Linda, identified as a “person of interest” in a double-homicide. This tragic incident, which involved a summer shooting, occurred during the morning hours of July 26 at a 7-Eleven located on Market Street in Yuba City. The violence resulted in the deaths of two Yuba City residents: 21-year-old Fernandez Cortez and 18-year-old Moses Mendoza.
Police officials have explicitly stated that Yepez is being sought for his connection to the shooting. Authorities issued a direct warning to the public, advising that Yepez "should be considered armed and dangerous" and instructing individuals not to approach, contact, or attempt to detain him. In a statement released by the department, law enforcement underscored that “No determination of criminal responsibility should be inferred from this request,” clarifying that the primary goal is to help investigators locate Yepez as part of their ongoing inquiry.
The fatal encounter unfolded following an alleged physical altercation outside the convenience store. According to public records from the Yuba City Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple calls reporting gunfire and a fight. These calls came in on a Sunday, at approximately 11 a.m. Upon their arrival, police discovered that one of the victims, Fernandez Cortez, had already succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, Moses Mendoza, was found suffering from a bullet wound. Mendoza received immediate aid from first responders at the location but was later pronounced dead at a local hospital after being transported for medical care.
Beyond the two fatalities, a third individual, a 19-year-old man whose identity has not been released by police, also suffered injuries. This victim sustained injuries to his hand and was subsequently treated at a local hospital.
Investigators with the Yuba City Police Department have indicated that Yepez reportedly maintains ties to both Modesto and Mexico. This information suggests that he may have left the immediate Yuba-Sutter area since the incident. The department is keen to gather any and all information regarding Yepez's current location to advance the homicide investigation.
The double-homicide of Cortez and Mendoza, transpiring in a public location, "shook the city," as noted by the authorities. This significant event has prompted the call for community vigilance and assistance in bringing clarity to the investigation.
The Yuba City Police Department urges anyone with information concerning Yepez's whereabouts or any details relevant to the homicide investigation to contact Detective Swallow. The direct line for information is 530-822-2082. The investigation remains active as authorities work to locate the person of interest and uncover further facts related to the morning's tragic events.
