Rcho Sta Marg, CA Area Cold Cases
Name
Victor SanchezAge
29Cause of Death
StabbingInfo
On Friday, October 30, 2009 around 3:40 p.m., witnesses saw Sanchez's white pickup truck jump a curb then crash into a building in the 5900 block of Brockton Avenue near Jurupa Avenue. Sanchez, 29-years-old, had been stabbed multiple times and later died at the hospital. Surveillance footage from a nearby market captured Sanchez cashing his paycheck minutes before the crash, as well as a suspect seen watching him closely. The suspect, also observed pacing in the parking lot, briefly spoke with Sanchez in Spanish before entering the passenger side of his truck. Just five minutes later, Sanchez was found stabbed and unresponsive in his crashed vehicle. Mr. Sanchez left behind a wife and two young children. He worked two restaurant jobs to support his family.Agency
Riverside
Name
Christopher AlvarezAge
24Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On Friday, September 5, 1996, Riverside Police Officers responded to 7756 California Street for a shooting. The victim, 24-year-old Christopher Alvarez, was shot and then ran to a nearby apartment for help. He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment, but he ultimately died from the multiple gunshot wounds he suffered. Numerous people were interviewed during the initial investigation but were hesitant to provide information out of fear of retaliation.Agency
Riverside
Name
Michael SotoAge
33Cause of Death
TraumaInfo
Almost 33 years ago on September 21, 1991, Riverside Police Officers and paramedics responded to 4270 Market Street in downtown Riverside for an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. Michael Anthony Soto was found with massive head trauma and evidence showed he was beaten and robbed. Despite lifesaving efforts, Michael died from his injuries several days later. He was 35-years-old at the time and a valued employee at the produce market where he was attacked. Michael had served in the military and was a father to a teenage son. The attack was reported by someone who called 911 from a nearby payphone, but this caller refused to identify himself and was never located. Investigators believe the caller and others have information about michaels death.Agency
Riverside
Name
Juan FigueroaAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
Juan Gomez Figueroa was last seen in late February 2020 and reported missing a couple months later in May. The next month in June 2020, the body of a deceased male was found in a wooded area of the river bottom in Jurupa Valley behind the 5400 block of Riverview Drive. The body was eventually identified by the Riverside County Coroner's Office as Juan and investigators suspect foul play involved in his death. The case has been assigned to our Homicide Cold Case Unit and they are seeking the community's help to find out what happened to Juan.Agency
Riverside
Name
Donald TobinAge
52Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
Donald Tobin Donald Tobin was 52-years-old and last seen on Saturday, July 7, 2010. He left his home along the 3900 block of Redwood Drive to go put some items in a storage unit but never returned. The next day, his silver 2007 Toyota Corolla was found abandoned at Carlson Dog Park nearby. The items he planned to put in his storage unit were still inside the car along with his wallet and cell phone. There was no sign of Mr. Tobin at the scene. The Riverside Police Department conducted an extensive search for Mr. Tobin in the Santa Ana River bottom and surrounding area, but still never found. He has not accessed his bank accounts or contact any of his family or friends since his disappearance 14 years ago. Mr. Tobin's sister, Dana Eriksen, said she and her mother spoke to Donald on a regular basis every month and it was out of character for him to be out of touch for a long period of time. They believe he was the victim of foul play and klled. Investigators do not believe Mr. Tobin left on his own accord, but it is unclear what caused his disappearance. This case remains unsolved and Mr. Tobin still remains missing. Based on facts of the extensive investigation, Investigators believe Mr. Tobin was the victim of a homicide.Agency
Riverside
Name
Victoria RodgersAge
28Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On October 18, 1984, 28-year-old Victoria Rodgers was found beaten to death in her home, located in the 8200 block of Buckingham Place in the Ramona neighborhood of Riverside. A friend found Victoria unresponsive around 9:00 a.m. and called for help. Two young children were also in the home at the time but were physically unharmed. The bedroom was ransacked and items were stolen, along with evidence found that the victim was sexually assaulted. DNA evidence collected at the scene was processed by investigators in 2015 and a suspect was identified but was never located This suspect, Joseph Luis Macias with a birthdate of January 2, 1967, also committed another homicide 9 years later on March 3, 1993. He has used many alias and has since evaded capture, and was believed to have fled the country. His current whereabouts are still unknown. Joseph Macias' family told investigators he died in Mexico but provided no death certificate or proof otherwise.Agency
Riverside
Name
Dennis Swain JrAge
19Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
Dennis Swain Jr. On September 17, 1994, Riverside Police Officers responded to the 3500 block of Lou Ella regarding a suspicious vehicle. They located a 1978 yellow Chevrolet Camaro with white interior parked with the windows down. Inside, officer found 19-year-old Dennis Swain Jr. of Moreno Valley deceased. Dennis Swain Jr. was last seen on September 7, 1994. An extensive investigation was conducted but no arrest was made.Agency
Riverside
Name
Laura MoralesAge
35Cause of Death
TraumaInfo
On July 23, 2000, shortly after 5 P.M., 35-year-old Laura Elena Morales' husband and children returned home from an afternoon away and found her deceased from obvious signs of trauma to her body. Riverside Police Department personnel responded to the home in the 11100 block of Doverwood Drive in the City of Riverside and a homicide investigation was immediately started. The early investigation led detectives to connect Laura Morales' murder to an August 10th, 1999 sexual assault, which took place about a mile from the Morales home. As part of the sexual assault investigation the suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 25 years old, 5'09", "Chubby," with Black Hair and Brown Eyes. A composite sketch of the suspect was also prepared.Agency
Riverside
Name
Ralph MitchellAge
29Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On Thursday, February 25, 1999, 29-year-old Ralph Mitchell and his 27-year-old wife of 8 months, Shivany Mitchell, were found shot to death inside their Riverside apartment, located at 1251 Massachusetts Avenue # 20. A family member who had not heard from them found them. Investigators believe there may have been a witness to the shooting and the suspect(s) may have confided to someone about the murders.Agency
Riverside
Name
Shivany MitchellAge
27Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On Thursday, February 25, 1999, 29-year-old Ralph Mitchell and his 27-year-old wife of 8 months, Shivany Mitchell, were found shot to death inside their Riverside apartment, located at 1251 Massachusetts Avenue # 20. A family member who had not heard from them found them. Investigators believe there may have been a witness to the shooting and the suspect(s) may have confided to someone about the murders.Agency
Riverside
Name
Cheri BatesAge
18Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
Cheri Jo Bates On October 31, 1966, 0545 hours, Joseph Bates called Riverside Police to report his daughter Cheri Jo Bates missing. She left a note for her father stating she was going to the RCC library. On October 31, 1966, 0632 hours, a civilian reported that he found a body in the alleyway of Terracina near Fairfax on the RCC college campus. Officers responded and determined the death to be a homicide. The female was identified as, 18 year old, Cheri Jo Bates. In 1967, Riverside Police Department received a hand written letter in the mail. This letter initially led investigators to believe the murder of Cheri Jo Bates may be associated with the murderer known as the "Zodiac Killer." The letter and the interpretation of the signature on the letter generated much attention to the investigation and fueled many theories and much speculation regarding the case. In addition, sensitive information was released to the media which added to the curiosity and conjecture. In April 2016, investigators received an anonymous letter postmarked from San Bernardino, California. This letter was typed and appeared to have been generated from a computer. The author of the anonymous letter admitted to writing the hand written letters. The author apologized for sending the letters and said it was a sick joke. The author admitted that he was not the Zodiac killer or the killer of Cheri Jo Bates and was just looking for attention. in zuzu, the Homicide Cold Case unit and the FBI LOS Angeles investigative Genealogy ream, submitted the stamp from the letter for additional DNA analysis and subsequent interviews were conducted. The individual linked to the DNA evidence on the stamp admitted to writing the letter and sending it to Riverside Police Department. The author was a young teenager at the time and had a troubled youth. He said he wrote the letter seeking attention and was remorseful for his actions. Investigators confirmed, the person was not involved in the murder of Cheri Jo Bates or involved in the murders associated with the "Zodiac Killer." Additional information was developed regarding a separate set of letters sent to Northern California police agencies. The author claimed to be the "Zodiac Killer," but the author ultimately admitted to sending the letters to keep the investigation going. Early in the investigation, a potential suspect was identified in the killing of Cheri Jo Bates. Based on the evidence, this person of interest has remained the primary suspect over the years and continues to be the focus of the investigation. It is believed, acquaintances of the suspect have additional information which could potentially lead to the successful prosecution of the suspect. The FBI Los Angeles Investigative Genealogy Team and various additional law enforcement agencies continue to work the "Zodiac Killer' murders. Information regarding the "Zodiac Killer" can be emailed to https://tips.fbi.gov Based on the developments in the case , Riverside Police Department will not be directly involved in the "Zodiac Killer™ investigation and will focus its attention on who killed Cheri Jo. Riverside Police Department investigators will continue to cooperate with the handling agencies as neededIn 2021, Riverside Police Homicide Cold Case Investigators were contacted by a private citizen wishing to offer a $50,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and the conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Cheri Jo Bates. The private party has requested to remain anonymous to the public. The reward offer is valid until January 31, 2022.Agency
Riverside
Name
John DoeAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On Tuesday, July 11, 1992 shortly before 1:00 p.m., a citizen called 9-1-1 after finding a man shot in the chest on a sidewalk in the 2700 block of McKinley Street, located in the Casa Blanca neighborhood. The victim, believed to be in his mid-20's, was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He still has not been identified. Along with our Forensics Unit, Homicide Cold Case Detectives have been working closely with the Riverside County Sheriff - Coroner's Office, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles FBI Investigative Genealogy Team, and private laboratories to identify this victims through DNA analysis. However, there is no further information to provide regarding her at this time. Detectives are hoping someone will recognize these basic details and come forward with additional information that can lead to their identities, as well as to identify those responsible their deaths.Agency
Riverside
Name
Baby DoeAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On Wednesday, April 13, 1994, a female baby was found on a bus bench near Crest Avenue and Arlington Avenue in the Arlanza neighborhood. Her death was later determined to be a homicide. She has yet to be identified. Along with our Forensics Unit, Homicide Cold Case Detectives have been working closely with the Riverside County Sheriff - Coroner's Office, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles FBI Investigative Genealogy Team, and private laboratories to identify this victims through DNA analysis. However, there is no further information to provide regarding her at this time. Detectives are hoping someone will recognize these basic details and come forward with additional information that can lead to their identities, as well as to identify those responsible their deaths.Agency
Riverside
Name
Larry HowellAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 08/07/2005, members from the “Dogz Party Crew” confronted Larry at his residence on Bloomington Avenue and shot him to death. Prior to fleeing the suspects set the house on fire with Molotov Cocktails.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Devoghn AllenAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 08/03/2008, Devoghn Allen attended a party at 2533 N. Mountain Dr. in Upland. Devoghn was standing in the driveway when a black male walked up and shot Devoghn in the head killing himAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Ruben MartinezAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 11/05/2008, Martinez was walking near Effen Street and Center Street in Rancho Cucamonga when an unknown suspect shot and killed him.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
John DoeAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 2/15/1998, a victim of a homicide was found in the La Villa Motel in Fontana. The subject depicted above rented the motel room where the victim was found. This subject is wanted for questioning in the homicide.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Pedro GarciaAge
25Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 8/21/1998, Pedro Garcia was shot and killed during a robbery at the Circle K in Bloomington. The depicted suspect confronted the victim and a second suspect appeared from a field and shot Garcia.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Inocente MedinaAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 2/15/1998, Medina was found deceased at the La Villa Motel in Fontana. Two Hispanic male adults were seen entering Medina’s room prior to the homicideAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Armando RojasAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 7/13/1998, Rojas was found dceased along the I-15 Freeway at Highland Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. He was last seen alive a few days earlier in Lynwood, CaAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Nicholas BarelaAge
Cause of Death
StabbingInfo
On 07/04/1998, Nicholas Barela was found stabbed to death on McKinley Street in ChinoAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Muniz RoyAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 07/25/1995, Roy Muniz was shot to death near a reservoir water tank at the extreme north end of Etiwanda Avenue in Rancho CucamongaAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Delores JohnsonAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 08/22/1996, Delores Johnson aka "Carmel" was found dead in a dirt parking lot located at 14589 Valley Blvd, Fontana. The parking lot is next to an adult book store and is used by truckers.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Esteban ZavalaAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On September 18th 1999, Esteban Zavala was found on Quarry Road near Central Road in Apple Valley. Zavala had been murdered and dumped on the road. Zavala had ties to Gennie Gallardo and her family members in VictorvilleAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Jeffrey MiragliaAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 05/16/1992 Jeffrey Miraglia was found shot to death in a water catch basin near the Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga. The basin is commonly used for skateboarding. Jeffrey's 1991 Chevy S-10 had also been stolen.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Rene McgowenAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 01/29/1991 a vehicle was reported abandoned in front of an industrial complex at 9774 Crescent Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Further investigation revealed the body of Rene McGowan inside the vehicleAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Pablo HuanteAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On May 25th, 1987, Pablo Huante was found shot to death outside his residence, located in the 13800 block of Slover Avenue, Fontana.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Henry NunezAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On August 12th , 1987, Henry Nunez was found shot to death on London near Feron in Rancho Cucamonga. Henry had the tattoo "Cucamonga" on his chest. The homicide appeared to be gang related.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Mary BriggsAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 07/01/1984, Mary Briggs was found deceased in an open field in Rancho Cucamonga.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Rena HarrisAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 04/09/1980, Rena Harris was found nude and shot to death on Summit Avenue 1/2 mile west of the I-15 Fwy. in Rancho Cucamonga. Located at the crime scene were Rena's clothing, paper towels, and fired cartridge casings.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Diane BrownAge
Cause of Death
HomicideInfo
On 01/01/1981, Diane telephoned a friend and said she had been picked up while hitch-hiking and was in Pomona with a couple of guys. Diane was never seen or heard from again. On 01/18/1981, Diane's legs were found in a trash bag near Summit Ave. / East Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga. On 01/26/1981, Diane's torso was found in a similar trash bag in the south Chino area. On 02/28/1981, Diane's head was found about 1/3 mile from where her legs were found.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Leroy EilersAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 10/12/1981, Leroy Eilers was found shot to death as he lay on his couch. Leroy resided in the 7700 block of Laurel Ave. in Fontana.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Donald AshbrookAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 10/23/1982, Donald Ashbrook was found shot to death on Summit Road in Rancho Cucamonga. Donald also sustained blunt force injuries on his body. Donald was a resident of Long Beach and rode a Triumph MotorcycleAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Gregory BonichAge
Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 11/09/1984, Gregory Bonich was found shot to death about two miles southwest of the Glen Helen Pavilion in Devore. Gregory had been shot in the face with a shotgun. Bonich was a resident of FontanaAgency
San Bernadino
Name
Tammy PetersonAge
14Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On December 22, 1978, Tammy Peterson was found shot to death at the north-end of Etiwanda Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. At the time of her death she was 14 years old.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Gary CollinsAge
22Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On 08/27/1978, Gary Collins (22 years old) was at the Nite Lite Bar with his friends, which was located at the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Vineyard Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga. At about 1:00 A.M. Gary decided to sit out front by his vehicle, while his friends remained inside the bar. About 45 minutes later Gary’s friends found Gary lying on the ground next to his vehicle. Gary had been shot to death. On 09/03/1978, Gary’s belongings were found by a citizen near the Magic Lamp Restaurant on Foothill Blvd. and Red Hill. Gary was a resident of Rancho Cucamonga.Agency
San Bernadino
Name
Goyo SolisAge
20Cause of Death
Gun/FirearmInfo
Agency
Lake Elsinore Police Department
Name
Frank BressonAge
22Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On August 13, 1995 United States Border Patrol Agents found the body of an unidentified male at Santa Margarita Creek in Fallbrook, near Sandia Creek and Rock Mountain Road.Agency
San Diego County Sheriff
Name
Bertha PopocaAge
22Cause of Death
ShootingInfo
On the afternoon of February 27, 1990, the victim’s son went to his mother’s house to check on her welfare since the victim’s family and friends had not been able to contact Bertha in the last few days. When the son entered the home he found the victim dead in the living room.Agency
San Diego County Sheriff