Friday, May 7, just before 8 p.m., the Garland Police Department (GPD) responded to the report of someone shot at an apartment community in the 4200 block of West Walnut Street. Responding officers located a male subject behind an apartment building suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Denver Yanes-Carrillo.
Garland Police Department homicide detectives responded and began to investigate the shooting as a murder. Investigators learned that there were several subjects playing soccer in a courtyard area at the apartment complex. While they were playing, another male approached the individuals, displayed a handgun, and then shot several times, striking the male victim. It is believed that the suspect fired at another individual as well but did not strike him. The suspect then fled before the officers arrived.
The alleged shooter is identified as 21-year-old Cuahutemoc Merlan. A murder warrant has been issued for his arrest. Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Merlan.
The reason for the shooting has not yet been determined. Investigators consider Merlan to be armed and dangerous.
If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, GPD is asking them to call 911. Tipsters may remain anonymous by contacting Garland Crime Stoppers at:
- 972-272-8477 (TIPS), or garlandcrimestoppers.org
A reward of up to $5,000 has been issued for any information that leads to an arrest of Merlan.
This is an ongoing investigation.
The video below shows the suspect running south through the apartments, between the apartment and a gas station, crossing the street, and then disappearing into the apartment complex on the south side of West Walnut Street. Click the link below to view the video.
https://garlandbox.box.com/s/xk4atzwuafcv7wvi54rebmpqeet1iol7