Stanislaus County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of an 18-year-old man at a Hughson house party shortly after midnight Sunday.

Demetrius Martinez of Modesto was identified as the victim of the fatal stabbing that happened in the 2000 block of Third Street in Hughson.

The sheriff’s department was notified of a fight around 12:20 a.m. While en route to the scene the deputies were told that Martinez’s friends had taken him to an urgent care facility near the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency on Scenic Drive in Modesto.

Deputies arrived to find Martinez had died from his injuries.

Two other people were injured during the fight, but their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Sheriff’s detectives have interviewed witnesses and people present at the house party. All persons have been cooperative and no arrests have been made at this point in the investigation. The case has been sent to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the stabbing was gang-related. Martinez was supposed to be in court on Monday for an appearance on a charge of disobeying an injunction restricting activities of a criminal street gang.

A day after the fatal stabbing a group was holding a car wash on Crowslanding Road in Modesto to raise funds for Martinez’s memorial, when shots rang out across the street. A 16-year-old boy was killed during the shooting and a 33-year-old man was arrested.

The sheriff’s department said there does not appear to be a connection between the two slayings.

Anyone with information about this case can contact Detective Ken Hedrick at 567-7083.  Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.