Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green die in fatal Merced shooting

Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green die in fatal Merced shooting

Fatal Merced shooting death of Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green – Obituary

Two families are grieving after teenagers Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green were shot and killed Monday evening in Merced. Xavier Barragan and Nehemiah Green were found with fatal gunshot wounds near the Merced Behavioral Center on East 13th Street, according to police.

Merced Police said officers responded to the area around 7 p.m. after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they located the two boys suffering from gunshot injuries. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members identified the victims as Barragan and Green. Relatives said the boys were 14 years old, while police indicated the teens were believed to be 15. Friends, family, and community members later gathered nearby to mourn, placing candles, flowers, and balloons with messages honoring their lives.

Investigators stated they are reviewing several accounts of what may have led up to the shooting. One version under investigation suggests that three juveniles may have attempted to rob someone in the area, after which the alleged victim opened fire, striking two of the boys while a third fled. Police emphasized that this scenario has not yet been confirmed.

Community leaders expressed outrage and sorrow over the violence, calling for stronger efforts to prevent youth crime and provide programs that support young people. The shooting occurred close to Stone Wall Elementary School, where students returned to classes following the MLK holiday. School resource officers and counselors were made available to help students cope with the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage related to the shooting is urged to contact the Merced Police Department.