A Riverside jury deliberated for just over a day before returning with unanimous verdicts against Edgar Ivan Gomez Garcia of Mead Valley for the deaths of 29-year-old Junior Rafael Gonzalez and 39-year-old Pedro Cortes Rodriguez in 2019.

Along with the murder counts, jurors found Garcia guilty of sentence- enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon — a vehicle — in the commission of a felony and fleeing the scene.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Bernard Schwartz did not immediately set a sentencing date. He ordered Garcia to remain held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center.

In the predawn hours of Oct. 18, 2019, the defendant and his then- friend, identified in court documents only as “Hector,” went to the El Rodeo Club & Restaurant at 24805 Alessandro Blvd., where Hector became inebriated, according to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office.

He was involved in an unspecified confrontation with a club patron that turned physical, culminating in two security guards hustling him out of the establishment into the parking lot, where the heavily intoxicated man continued to remain belligerent, court papers stated.

The guards deployed pepper spray, and one of them threw a gut punch, causing Hector to keel over in the parking lot, according to the brief. Garcia was walking to his friend’s Ford F-150 pickup truck when he saw what happened, prompting him to challenge the men to a fight but was talked out of it by another employee of the venue, prosecutors said.

Hector was unable to walk unassisted, requiring Garcia to “drag him through the parking lot,” at which point the victims, among a group of friends, “laughed and began to take video of Hector being dragged,” the brief said.

The defendant, inflamed by the group’s behavior, placed his friend in the pickup’s passenger seat and got behind the wheel. A security surveillance camera mounted on a business across the street recorded the ensuing moments after Garcia started the truck.

“The video captured the truck pull out of a parking stall and drive up the parking aisle toward a store next to El Rodeo,” according to the brief. “The truck turned right in front of the store, towards El Rodeo, and rapidly accelerated, screeching its tires. The truck came to an abrupt stop before reaching the front of El Rodeo. After a couple of seconds, the driver accelerated into the crowd. The footage captured the truck striking the victims and dragging their bodies across the asphalt.”

Witnesses dialed 911 as Garcia sped away.

Junior Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene. Rodriguez lingered in a coma for nine days at Riverside University Medical Center before he was taken off of life support.

Sheriff’s detectives gathered sufficient evidence from witnesses, as well as the Moreno Valley Citywide Camera System, to identify the pickup and its owner. That led to an interview with Hector several days later, during which he recalled only vague details about the incident, saying he remembered being helped into his pickup and into his son’s bed after arriving home, but virtually nothing else — and Garcia didn’t tell him anything, according to court papers.

He told investigators Garcia had been staying with him, sleeping on his living room couch for weeks, while the two went to work in Brea, but a day after the restaurant deaths, the defendant abruptly left and returned to his mother’s house in Mead Valley.

In a text message on Oct. 20, 2019, Garcia “encouraged Hector to get rid of the truck and to burn it,” the brief said.

Based on the evidence, especially eyewitness identification of Garcia as the driver, a warrant was obtained, and on Oct. 22, 2019, he was arrested without incident in Moreno Valley.

He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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File # T240310058

Details:

On January 31, 2024, at 1:41 p.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to the 43000 block of Elkhorn Trail, Palm Desert, reference a burglary in progress. Deputies arrived at the location and determined the suspect, later identified as Mizahel Morales, 26-year-old resident of Palm Desert, had brandished a firearm and forced his way into the victim’s residence.

Morales fled the location prior to deputies’ arrival but was later located at a nearby residence. No injuries were reported during the incident. Morales was booked at John Benoit Detention Center for burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and violation of probation.

This is an ongoing investigation. No additional details are available at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Rodriguez at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station (760) 836–1600.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # MV240220254

Details:

On Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:20 p.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the area of Hemlock Avenue and Pigeon Pass Road, Moreno Valley. Deputies arrived and located a victim with a gunshot wound. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital. During the investigation, deputies determined the shooting occurred in the 22000 block of Scarlet Sage Way Moreno Valley. Deputies responded to the location, but the suspect fled the area. Deputies conducted a search of the area, contacted witnesses, and located evidence of a shooting, but the suspect was not located. This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details will be released.

Investigators from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded and assumed the investigation. This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy D. Ramirez at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station (951) 486-6700.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File# PE231180144, PE233130078

Details:

On Friday, April 28, 2023, deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Perris Station responded to Frank Eaton Park, located within the May Ranch neighborhood in the city of Perris. They investigated an assault with a firearm involving three victims. Perris City Special Enforcement Team (SET) assumed the investigation. During the investigation, SET Deputies gathered information that led to a search warrant for a residence within the 1500 block of Ranch Street in the city of Perris.

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, Perris City SET and the Riverside Sheriff’s Gang Task Force Region 6 served the search warrant. During the search warrant, deputies located two firearms, a hard plate body armor, a small amount of narcotics, and approximately $440,000 in United States currency.

The two suspects, identified as 40-year-old Donnessa Sampson and 47-year-old Deytwan Sampson, residents of Perris, were arrested and booked at Cois Byrd Detention Facility for child endangerment, possession of Ecstasy for sale along with additional felony drug and weapon charges.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Soto at the Sheriff’s Perris Station at 951–210–1000.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # MV233080103

Details:

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 9:27 a.m., a deputy assigned to the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station attempted a traffic enforcement stop of a black Nissan Altima, which was speeding on Perris Boulevard. The driver, Robert Washington, collided with a white Chevrolet pickup truck at the intersection of Perris Boulevard and Eucalyptus Avenue. Washington attempted to flee the scene, continuing northbound on Perris Boulevard. While fleeing the scene, Washington intentionally and abruptly stopped his vehicle. The deputy attempted to avoid Washington’s vehicle; however, the right side of the deputy’s motorcycle collided with the rear of Washington’s vehicle, disabling his motorcycle. Washington fled the scene of the second collision and was located near Perris Boulevard and Webster Street. Washington was eventually detained by deputies.

The motorcycle enforcement deputy sustained minor injuries from the collision. Neither Washington nor the occupants of the initial collision were injured. It was later determined Washington was operating a motor vehicle while he was under the influence of drugs.  Washington was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer, Reckless Evading Law Enforcement, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and Hit and Run.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Deputy Hutchins of the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-486-6727 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-776-1099.

Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847). You can also leave anonymous information on our Crime Tips Online Form or wetip.com.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # CN233000013

Details:

On Friday, October 27, 2023, at about 2320 hours, deputies assigned to Lake Elsinore Station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call near Calcutta Drive and Canyon Lake Drive in Canyon Lake. Upon arrival, deputies located a victim with a single gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury. During the investigation, deputies determined Franklin Ortega, 33-year-old resident of Menifee, was the suspect in the shooting. Station Investigations and the Special Enforcement Team responded and assumed the investigation. On October 28, 2023, at about 0520 hours, Ortega was seen driving in the area of Magnolia Avenue and 91 freeway, in the city of Riverside. Lake Mathews Station deputies attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle which failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit concluded when Ortega stopped the vehicle near KPC Parkway just north of Sampson, in the city of Corona and fled on foot. Corona Police Department and members of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Bureau and K9 responded. While the area was being searched, Ortega was located and detained. Ortega was transported to the Lake Elsinore Station and subsequently transported and booked into CBDC for assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and various drug possession charges.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Garcia Deocampo at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245–3300.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # F232610015

Details:

On Monday, September 18, 2023, at 1:06 p.m., deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a call regarding the brandishing of a firearm. The investigation revealed two citizens came across a motorist whose vehicle and trailer appeared to be stuck in the middle of the road on El Cariso Trail in the unincorporated area of Lake Elsinore. The motorist and his female companion were identified as 37-year-old Kevin Hofseth of Escondido and 35-year-old Lindsay Salomone of San Diego. The citizens offered Hofseth assistance, at which time Hofseth made threatening comments while brandishing a rifle in their direction. The citizens retreated to safety and called for police assistance. The Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau responded to the location. After a lengthy standoff, Hofseth was taken into custody, and Salomone was detained for further investigation. During the investigation, evidence was seized supporting the victims’ statements. Hofseth and Salomone were found to be in possession of controlled substances that were indicative of sales. Hofseth and Salomone were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for various criminal charges, including brandishing a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting arrest.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details are available at this time.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # Y232150054

Details:

On August 3, 2023, the Sheriff’s Thermal Station patrol units responded to the 52700 block of Calle Techa in the city of Coachella regarding a shooting. The investigation revealed a Hispanic male adult fired multiple rounds at partygoers, including juveniles while driving by in his vehicle. The suspect fled the area in his vehicle and was not located. The partygoers were not injured during the shooting and were released from the scene. The area was canvassed, and there were no reported injuries. The investigation was assumed by the Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit.

During the investigation, the suspect was positively identified as Adam Armendariz Rodriguez Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Coachella. On August 18, 2023, the Special Investigations Unit located Adam Armendariz Rodriguez Jr., in the 44500 block of Highway 111, in the city of Indian Wells, where he was apprehended without incident. At the time of arrest, Adam Armendariz Rodriguez Jr. was in possession of over 50 grams of cocaine and ammunition.

A search warrant was authored and served in the 51600 block of Calle Avila, in the city of Coachella, with the assistance of the Coachella Community Action Team and the Southern Coachella Valley Community Service District Team. Investigators obtained evidence to indicate the shooting was an isolated incident.

Adam Armendariz Rodriguez Jr. was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in the city of Indio for assault with a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, possession of cocaine for sales, and transportation of cocaine for sales.

The Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit asks anyone with additional information to contact Deputy Eric Piscatella by calling (760)-863-8107. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341-7867.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # MV231940095

Details:

On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the report of multiple gunshots fired in the area of Iris Avenue and Lasselle Street in the City of Moreno Valley. Deputies arrived quickly and located evidence of a shooting behind two of the nearby businesses.

Investigators from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded and assumed the investigation. Witnesses reported a vehicle stopped in the street near a bus stop and started firing a handgun. Investigators identified the suspect as Michael Nikita Diggins II, a 43-year-old resident of Moreno Valley. Further investigation led to the recovery of the firearm used in the shooting.

Diggins was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and discharge of a firearm at an occupied dwelling.

This is an ongoing investigation. Investigators are seeking additional witnesses to this incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Horta at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 486-6700.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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File # MV231470302

Details:

On May 27, 2023, at about 8:57 p.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a shooting in the 24800 block of Evening Shadow Court, Moreno Valley. Upon the deputies arrival they located two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies rendered immediate aid to the victims until emergency medical services arrived. The victims were subsequently transported to local hospitals for treatment. Two additional victims arrived at a local hospital and were treated for gunshot wounds. Currently, we do not have any suspect information or motive for the shooting.

Investigators from Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station arrived and assumed the investigation. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Investigator Allen at 951-486-6700.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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