Man Arrested in Modesto Homicide, Facing Murder Charges

MODESTO, CA — A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Modesto earlier this month, officials said. The arrest came after investigators received information that helped identify a suspect, Stanislaus County authorities reported.

What Happened

Around 1:03 a.m. on Feb. 9, deputies from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting on the 2900 block of Farrar Avenue in Modesto. Emergency personnel found a 53-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he died at the scene.

Arrest and Charges

Investigators gathered information that ultimately led to the arrest of Matthew Alexander Tanner, 33, a resident of Modesto. Tanner was located and taken into custody in Napa on Feb. 12.

Tanner was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on a charge of murder. He is being held without bail, the sheriff’s office confirmed.

Criminal History

According to law enforcement, Tanner has a lengthy criminal history that includes prior arrests for:

• Carrying a loaded stolen firearm

• Robbery

• Possession of narcotics

• Evading law enforcement

Investigation and Next Steps

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under investigation as detectives continue gathering evidence. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective Summerton at (209) 525-7032. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at (866) 602-7463.

Community Impact

Modesto officials previously reported that the city had seen few homicides in 2025, calling it a historic period for safety. The recent shooting underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in reducing violent crime.

Source

This report is based on information from FOX40 and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office:
🔗 https://fox40.com/news/local-news/stanislaus-county/man-arrested-for-modesto-shooting-facing-murder-charges-held-without-bail/