The gathering that brought Dylan Dooling’s family and friends together to reflect on his achievements and character should’ve been a graduation party. Instead, it was a vigil that brought them all together in a shared grief as they grapple with the violent act that took his life.
Around 10:45 p.m. on June 2, Dooling and his girlfriend were leaving a house party in the 2000 block of N. Daubenberger Road when they were confronted by a group of males, possibly three, and a physical fight broke out. The Turlock Police Department has not released information about what started the fight. Dooling was stabbed in the attack and the suspects fled. The first officers to arrive found the wounded Dooling on the sidewalk and immediately began to administer first aid and CPR until Turlock Fire Department and AMR personnel arrived on scene.
Dooling was transported to a local area hospital where medical staff continued to provide medical care in an attempt to save his life. Unfortunately, the injuries suffered were too severe and he died at 11:40 p.m.
Witnesses describe the suspects as males, in their teens to early 20s, and White or Hispanic.
Lighthouse Family Church Lead Pastor Morri Elliott will be leading Dooling’s funeral service on Wednesday. He has known the family for years but is only getting to know Dooling through the stories shared by his family and friends. He said he heard stories of how Dooling had recently become an avid chess player and was always willing to play someone new. He heard memories of Dooling having fun with friends on spur of the moment trips to the coast. And family members spoke of Dooling’s affable manner and protective side.
Dooling had graduated from Pitman High School the day prior and had plans to attend Modesto Junior College in the fall.
He is survived by his parents; Holly, Joe, Jared, and his sister Layla. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway in Turlock. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Crossroads Church, 1360 N. Johnson Road in Turlock.
A GoFundMe Account has been established to assist the family with any expenses. The link to the account is https://gf.me/v/c/gfm/tragic-passing-of-dylan-ray-dooling.
The Turlock Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with any videos and/or photos related to the homicide. Videos and/or photos can be directly uploaded here: https://turlockpdca.evidence.com/.../public/tp23003261.
