Central California Man Shoots Friend's Dog, Forces Him To Bury Pet At Gunpoint, Deputies Say

CBS Bay Area

January 14, 2026

Authorities in Central California have arrested a man on animal cruelty and other charges after he allegedly shot a friend's dog and forced him to bury his pet at gunpoint.

According to the Merced County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred Monday in the community of Winton, about 100 miles south of Sacramento. Deputies said the victim contacted Animal Services about the incident, which took place at his friend's home.

Investigators said they "quickly" identified the suspect as 57-year-old James Charles Morales of Winton.

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