- 📌 Turlock police filed a murder charge with the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office for the 2023 stabbing death of 17-year-old Dylan Dooling, three years after the incident.
- 📌 The suspect was a minor at the time of the crime and is now an adult serving time in state prison for an unrelated offense; his name remains confidential under California law.
- 📌 Dylan was stabbed while leaving a house party on June 2, 2023, one day after graduating from Pitman High School; friends called 911.
- 📌 A 707(b) transfer hearing will determine if the suspect is tried as a juvenile or adult.
Justice Delayed but Sought in Turlock Teen's Stabbing
More than three years after 17-year-old Dylan Ray Dooling was fatally stabbed in Turlock, the Turlock Police Department has filed a murder charge against a suspect who was a minor at the time. The case, which had remained a priority for detectives, now moves to the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office for prosecution. District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced the charges on Thursday. An arrest warrant has been issued in connection with the homicide.
Night of the Attack: What Happened
On June 2, 2023, at approximately 10:46 p.m., Turlock police responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing in the 2000 block of North Daubenberger Road between East Tuolumne Road and East Hawkeye Avenue. Officers found Dooling on the sidewalk with a stab wound and immediately administered first aid and CPR. They were assisted by personnel from Turlock Fire Department and American Medical Response. Dooling was transported to a local hospital but died about an hour later.
Investigators learned Dooling had attended a nearby house party that evening. As he was leaving, he was confronted by a group of males. A physical altercation ensued, during which Dooling was stabbed at least once before the group fled. Friends of the victim called 911. The reason for the altercation remains unknown.
Investigation and Charges
Detectives conducted numerous follow-up interviews, reviewed evidence, and pursued leads over three years. Through the development of additional evidence, they reached a point allowing them to seek a murder charge. The suspect, now an adult, is currently in the custody of another law enforcement agency on an unrelated offense. Because the alleged crime occurred when the suspect was a juvenile, California law prohibits releasing their name. Deputy District Attorney Patrick Hogan, who responded to the scene the night of the incident, highlighted the diligent work of the Turlock Police Department. “We are working on having the individual transferred back to our county,” Hogan said.
A 707(b) transfer hearing will determine whether the suspect will be tried as a juvenile or adult, according to the state’s Welfare and Institutions Code.
“This case has remained a priority for our detectives since the night it occurred,” Detective Frank Navarro said in a news release. “Dylan was a young man who had just graduated high school and had his whole life ahead of him. Our goal has always been to pursue the truth and seek accountability for what happened to him.”
“The loss of Dylan deeply impacted his family, friends, and our entire community,” Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden said in a news release. “While nothing can undo that loss, our department has remained committed to pursuing justice. I want to commend the dedication and persistence of our detectives who continued working this case over the past several years.” Hedden also praised the collaboration between his department, the DA’s office, and the Stanislaus County Probation Department.
Local Impact and Community Response
The murder charge brings a measure of accountability to the Turlock community, which was deeply impacted by Dooling's death. In March 2025, a bench was dedicated in his honor at Ferreira Ranch Park. His father, Joe Dooling, said at the ceremony, “You guys showing up keeps his memory so strong. We hope that you can continue to support us, because we will not stop until justice is brought.” Dooling was two months shy of his 18th birthday when he was killed.
Background
Dylan Dooling graduated from Pitman High School the day before his death and planned to attend Modesto Junior College. His killing prompted community vigils and appeals for information. The case remained open for three years, with detectives continuously working to identify those responsible.
Conclusion
The filing of a murder charge marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Dylan Dooling. The case will now proceed through the judicial system, with a hearing to determine the suspect's trial status. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.