On Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, at 12:03 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the aggravated assault that had occurred on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, at O’Rielly Auto Parts, 1144 Geer Rd, Turlock.

The Turlock Police Department announced that the victim, Zobeyda Esquerra, 22, of Livingston, succumbed to her injuries while at the hospital.

Police also identified their suspect who was arrested after a manhunt yesterday as Juan Francisco Ibarra-Tapia, 22, of Livingston. Ibarra-Tapia was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder, attempted murder, flight from a peace officer, discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony causing great bodily injury or death.

During the preliminary investigation, detectives revealed a couple of things. They revealed that this was not a random act of violence and that Ibarra-Tapia had previously been arrested in October of 2021 for stalking Esquerra. They also revealed that Ibarra-Tapia had shot at two employees of O’Rielly Auto Parts when he shot Esquerra. Luckily, those shots missed.

“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,” said Officer Gina Giovacchini.

Ibarra-Tapia is currently being held on a no-bail status.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.