UPDATE: Man arrested after Perris gas station shooting that killed Temecula man

UPDATED: Feb. 26, 9 a.m.

See Original Story below.

PERRIS — Officials investigating the Feb. 2 shooting death of a Temecula man at a Perris gas station say they have arrested the man they allege was responsible for the man’s murder. The victim, who was later identified as 21-year-old, Gelder Funes-Lopez, was fatally shot while pumping gas at the Arco Gas Station on the 200 block of E. 4th St. Despite life-saving efforts, he died at the scene.

Although early citizen reports from the scene indicate Funes-Lopez may have been shot after refusing to give money to a panhandler, Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit investigators have yet to confirm that detail as fact and have provided no known motive for the slaying or what may have led to the violent and deadly encounter.

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As their investigation was continuing, CHU investigators identified 26-year-old, Francisco Anthony Yzararraz, of Perris as the man they claim was responsible for fatally shooting Funes-Lopez earlier this month.

Investigators learned that Yzararraz was already in custody after he was arrested on an unrelated parole violation, which happened four days after the fatal incident.

Based on their investigation, on Monday, Feb. 24, investigators arrested Yzararraz for Funes-Lopez’ murder, Riverside Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Carroll said after the man’s arrest.

Yzararraz is currently being held without bail at Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.

Anyone who may have information related to this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Navarrete of the Central Homicide at (951) 955-2777. Callers can refer to incident file number PE200330090 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.

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Original Story: Shooting at Perris gas station leaves Temecula man, 21, dead

PERRIS — Officials are investigating the murder of a Temecula man, who was fatally shot overnight at a Perris gas station Sunday evening, Feb. 2. Although early citizen reports from the scene indicate the victim may have been shot after refusing to give money to a panhandler, Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit investigators have yet to confirm that detail as fact.

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Deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to the Arco Gas Station on the 200 block of E. 4th St. just before 8 p.m., after receiving reports of an assault with a deadly weapon, Riverside Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Carroll reported this morning.

Deputies arrived within minutes and found an unconscious man lying on the ground near a white Nissan Altima that was parked near a set of pumps at the gas station. The victim was suffering from at least one gunshot wound, according to Carroll.

Despite life-saving efforts by deputies and medical personnel, the victim – who has since been identified as 21-year-old, Temecula resident, Gelder Funes-Lopez – succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Deputies are investigating the shooting death of a Temecula man after he was fatally gunned down at a Perris gas station last night. Alex Cruz/Inland Empire News Network photo

Although deputies searched the area for the alleged shooter, ” the suspect(s) remains outstanding,” Carrol has since reported.

The Sheriff’s investigation is ongoing, and Carroll said no additional details regarding the suspect(s) were immediately available for release.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to immediately contact Central Homicide Investigator Navarrete at (951) 955-2777. Callers can refer to incident file number PE200330090 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.

This is a developing story that will be updated as new information becomes available.

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Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 48, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, (the now defunct) Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 29 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 16 grandchildren.