Turlock, CA: Son recalls victim in Turlock stabbing death

By Patty Guerra
pguerra@modbee.com

TURLOCK -- Police on Monday identified the man killed in a stabbing early Saturday as Donald Dean Futch, 34, of Hughson. He died in an alley off Colorado Avenue near Dutcher Middle School in what investigators described as a dispute over a woman.
Officers arrested Darren Merenda, 30, of Turlock and booked him at the Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of murder. He remained in custody Monday, held without bail.
Detective Mike Parmley said the two men met in the alley behind the apartment complex where Merenda and the woman, Futch's girlfriend, both lived.
Futch had sent Merenda a text message using the woman's phone. Parmley would not divulge the contents of the message but said the two men agreed to meet. They were in the alley about 3:40 a.m.
"I think they were there to talk," Parmley said. "I think that was the victim's impression, anyway."
Futch's 16-year-old son, Elias, said Monday that his father had been sending Merenda a message to leave the woman alone.
"My dad went to smoke outside, and this man jumped on his back and stabbed my dad," Elias said.
Parmley said police found cigarettes at the scene.
Futch was stabbed "several times, mainly in the upper torso area," Parmley said. A witness led police to Merenda at his apartment.
Police took Merenda to Emanuel Medical Center for treatment of a cut on his arm. Parmley would not say how Merenda got hurt but said the wound did not appear self- inflicted.
Investigators found a bloody knife nearby; Parmley would not say where but said it appeared the suspect tried to get rid of it. Police do not believe there are other suspects, Parmley said.
Elias said his father owned a circuit breaker business.
"He had me at a young age," Elias said. "He spent his entire life working and trying to support his family."
Although Futch and his wife recently divorced, he remained dedicated to his four children, who range in age from 11 to 16, Elias said. Finances were tight, but "he was always there to supply for us," Elias said.
"He loved going to my brother's and my football games. He never missed a game."
Futch spent Friday evening at Elias' first varsity game, cheering for his son, who plays running back and outside linebacker for Hughson High School.
"He always told me it was his dream to see me play varsity football," Elias said. "I totally took him for granted back then."