Palo Alto Man Sought in Murder of Former Merced DA's Son

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA -- An arrest warrant has been issued for a 26-year-old Palo Alto man who's accused of killing the son of a former Merced district attorney.

Dagoberto Penaloza was identified as the main suspect in the case following multiple tips from the public, according to the Atwater Police Department. Penaloza is accused of killing Ethan Morse, the 22-year-old son of former DA Larry Morse.

The younger Morse was found shot March 15 inside an Atwater home. Police responding Friday to the 1800 block of Fir Avenue around 10 a.m. regarding a report of a shooting found Morse. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Police say Penaloza frequents the area of Atwater and Modesto working in the landscaping business, but it is unknown how and why his path and the victim's crossed. Investigators say Penaloza is also wanted for a 2017 Thanksgiving attempted homicide in Menlo Park. There's an $11 million warrant out for his arrest in connection to that crime.

Police say if you see the suspect, do not approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous. Instead, call 911 to report his whereabouts.