The man arrested by Ceres Police in the Sept. 22 shooting that left a 40-year-old Menlo Park man dead, has been released from the county jail.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office needs more evidence to prosecute since Anthony Frank Leon Morris, 44, of Ceres, has stated the shooting of Joseph Dillard was in self-defense. Without corroborating evidence, a charge of murder is in question. If the evidence is produced prosecutors will review it, said Assistant District Attorney Dave Harris.

The shooting took place in Morris’ home in the 3200 block of Ninth Street in Ceres.

The Ceres Police Department issued a press release indicating that the shooting occurred at approximately 11:34 p.m., inside a residence. The first arriving officer heard a verbal disturbance coming from a nearby residence and heard statements related to someone getting shot. The officers detained Morris and a 39-year-old Stockton woman. Officers found Dillard suffering from gunshots wounds but efforts to keep him alive failed and he died at the scene.

Officers located two firearms inside the home.

Two teenage juveniles inside home during the shooting were unharmed.

A comprehensive and investigation is being conducted by Ceres Police detective. Anyone with knowledge of the case, or may have witnessed the shooting is urged to call Detective Matt Berlier at 538-5616 or Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-866-602-7463 or 521-4636.