Peter Fregoso Los Banos Shooting: What Happened On April 27, 2008

On April 27, 2008, a crowded party near Los Banos turned deadly. The victim was 16-year-old Peter Fregoso, a Los Banos resident whose death became part of Merced County’s 2008 homicide history.

The shooting happened on the 100 block of Ramos Road, between Santa Nella and Los Banos. ABC30 reported that hundreds of people were at the party when gunfire broke out.

A Crowded Party Turned Into A Crime Scene

According to ABC30, about 300 to 500 people were at the party. A 22-year-old man was also wounded and later released from the hospital.

Merced Sun-Star reported that the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. The outlet said Fregoso died at the scene. It also reported that the second victim was shot in the back, treated at Los Banos Memorial Hospital, and released.

Investigators faced a major problem right away. Officials said many people were at the party, but witnesses were not coming forward. That made it harder for detectives to piece together what happened in the moments before the shooting.

Deputies Looked At A Possible Gang Link

Early reports said detectives believed the shooting may have been gang-related. ABC30 reported that Merced County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom McKenzie said rival Norteño and Sureño gang members were at the party. However, deputies did not know at that time whether the two victims were part of either gang.

ABC30 later reported that police said an argument happened before someone pulled out a gun. Detectives continued to investigate the case as a possible gang-related shooting.

Because the case involved early reports, the wording matters. Public sources show investigators looked at a gang angle. They do not confirm a full motive in the sources available.

An Arrest Came Days Later

Days after the shooting, Merced County sheriff’s deputies announced an arrest.

ABC30 reported that deputies said 23-year-old David Hampton shot 16-year-old Peter Fregoso twice at close range during the party near Los Banos. The same report said deputies also arrested two juveniles for concealing evidence and giving false statements to officers.

KMPH FOX26 also reported that Hampton, of Dos Palos, was arrested in connection with the killing. The station reported that a search warrant led deputies to what they believed was the gun used in the crime. Deputies described it as a four-inch barreled .38 caliber revolver.

What Is Confirmed

Public reports confirm that Peter Fregoso was 16 years old and from Los Banos. Reports also confirm that he was killed during a shooting at a party near Ramos Road between Santa Nella and Los Banos.

Reports confirm that a second man was wounded and survived. They also confirm that investigators believed the shooting may have been gang-related.

Reports further confirm that David Hampton was arrested days later. Deputies said two juveniles were also arrested in connection with the investigation.

What Is Not Yet Confirmed In Available Sources

The sources found for this story do not show a confirmed public update on a conviction, sentencing, plea, or final court outcome.

They also do not confirm a final motive. Early reports described a possible gang connection, rival gang members at the party, and an argument before the shooting. But the available reports do not prove that Fregoso was part of a gang or that the motive was officially resolved.

Remembering Peter Fregoso

The Gilroy Dispatch published an obituary notice for Peter Edward Fregoso after his death. The notice said he entered into rest in Los Banos and listed services at St. Benedict’s Church, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.

More than 15 years later, the case remains a painful reminder of how quickly a crowded night can turn into a tragedy. A teenager lost his life. Another person was wounded. And a family had to move forward without a young loved one.

For Central Valley families, the Peter Fregoso case is also a reminder of the long shadow left behind after gun violence.

Quick Facts

Victim: Peter Fregoso
Age: 16
Residence: Los Banos
Date: April 27, 2008
Location: 100 block of Ramos Road, between Santa Nella and Los Banos
Reported setting: Large party with hundreds of people
Second victim: 22-year-old man wounded and released from hospital
Arrest reported: David Hampton, 23, of Dos Palos
Case note: Public sources do not show a confirmed sentencing or final court outcome