Family members of a missing teenager continue to hold out hope. As of Friday it's been nine days since Sammy Mercado came home. Family members met up in Sanger to hand out fliers to anyone walking nearby. They also stapled fliers to power poles. They know time is ticking and hope is waning.
Valerie Jiminez got a flier. "He was a nice kid, quiet. He always helped his mom out and was always there to hold her hand," she said.
Detectives believe Sammy Mercado was likely shot while trying to steal marijuana plants from a grow site. Sammy Mercado didn't come home on Thursday. Detectives say Mercado and two others went out to south Fresno to steal marijuana plants.
"Sure he's not an angel, we all know that. But he's a person and he's someone's baby. We just want him home," said a family member.
On Thursday detectives say they had a person of interest. His name is Ernie Chanmany. Deputies found the 21-year-old's two trucks in an almond orchard.
"We're getting closer. Now we have the trucks and now it's a matter of people who know things to step up. If it was a family member of theirs wouldn't they want to know," said a family member.
If you have any information you are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 559-498-STOP.
TXT 24
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