Suspect Arrested In Sammy Mercado’s Disappearance

The suspect in the disappearance and alleged murder of a Sanger teen is behind bars.

21- year old Ernie Chanmany was arrested earlier this month driving with 100 Ibs. of marijuana in Severe County, Utah.

He's been wanted since May for the murder of 16-year old Sammy Mercado.

Mercado vanished after trying to steal marijuana from an outside grow near Sanger in April.

Investigators believe Mercado may have been shot... then taken away by people guarding the grow.

Mercado's friends drove away.

Family and friends still have faith Mercado is alive.

They believe the murder suspect has some answers.

"Maybe has answers to the questions that everybody needs to know," said Elisha Lopez.

"I'm happy they have someone who has a lead to where he's at so that's going to give everyone else closure," said Elena Lopez

The Fresno County Sheriff's Department says it's not ready to talk about the investigation.