Zaire Vasquez Missing, Last seen at E Brookdale Drive and El Capitan Avenue, Merced

Endangered Missing Alert Issued for 1-Year-Old Zaire Vasquez Following Merced Homicide Investigation

Authorities in Merced County, California, are asking for the public’s immediate assistance in locating 1-year-old Zaire Vasquez, who is the subject of an Endangered Missing Alert issued in connection with an active homicide investigation.

According to the Merced Police Department, Zaire Vasquez was last seen at approximately 1:00 p.m. on July 11 near the intersection of East Brookdale Drive and El Capitan Avenue in Merced. Investigators believe the child may be associated with a silver 2018 Toyota C-HR bearing California license plate 9PXJ168.

The alert was issued following a homicide investigation in the 300 block of Brookdale Drive. While investigators continue to gather evidence, officials have emphasized that the case remains active and are urging the public to remain vigilant.

Law enforcement has advised that anyone who sees Zaire, the associated vehicle, or has any information regarding the child’s whereabouts should call 9-1-1 immediately. Because of the nature of the investigation, authorities are asking the public not to approach anyone who may be connected to the case and instead report any sightings directly to emergency responders.

The Merced Police Department continues to work alongside partner agencies as search efforts and the homicide investigation move forward. Detectives are actively following leads and are asking residents to review any available surveillance footage from homes or businesses in the area that may assist investigators.

Community members are encouraged to share the official Endangered Missing Alert to help expand its reach. In cases involving missing children, timely public awareness can play a critical role in locating the child safely and providing investigators with valuable information.

Authorities stress that even seemingly minor details could prove important to the investigation. Anyone who was in the area of East Brookdale Drive and El Capitan Avenue around the time Zaire was last seen is encouraged to contact law enforcement if they observed anything unusual.

As of this publication, no additional information regarding the child’s whereabouts has been released. Investigators continue to urge the public to rely on updates from official law enforcement sources as the investigation develops.

The Merced community remains hopeful for Zaire Vasquez’s safe recovery. Family members, investigators, and community supporters are asking everyone to stay alert, share the official information responsibly, and report any credible sightings immediately by calling 9-1-1. Merced Golden Wire News has indicated it will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available from law enforcement.