Out of jail and awaiting trial involving same victim, Riverside man kills girlfriend
RIVERSIDE, Calif., — Authorities yesterday reported that a man was arrested after fatally shooting his girlfriend inside the couple’s Riverside residence Thursday afternoon, July 22. The fatal shooting, which was the result of an argument between the couple, happened in the 3300 block of Eucalyptus Avenue, in the city’s Eastside neighborhood.
Riverside Superior Court and Riverside County Jail records indicate the suspect was out of jail while awaiting trial on attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, domestic violence, and other charges stemming from a Jan. 16 incident and arrest involving the same victim.
It was not immediately known why the department waited until this month to announce the weeks-old deadly incident and arrest, but the suspect pleaded not guilty in court last week and has been scheduled for another appearance on his multiple felony charges related to both cases next month.
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City of Riverside police officers were dispatched to the home around 4:15 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting that had just occurred, Riverside PD has since said of the shooting and arrest.
When officers arrived they found a woman, since identified as 20-year-old, Gladys Elizabeth Orosco, suffering from a gunshot wound inside the home.
Despite life-saving efforts the victim, known to family and friends as “Lizzy,” succumbed to her injuries and passed away inside the home. She was pronounced deceased on scene by paramedics with the Riverside Fire Department.
Riverside Superior Court and Riverside County Jail records indicate the suspect was out of jail while awaiting trial on attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, domestic violence, and other charges stemming from a Jan. 16 incident and arrest involving the same victim he has now been accused of murdering.
Detectives with the Robbery – Homicide Unit, along with specialists from the department’s Forensics Unit, responded and assumed the investigation. They were assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner and Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
During their preliminary investigation, officials interviewed multiple witnesses and learned the victim was involved in a dating relationship with 19-year-old Fredi Lucero, and that the couple lived together in the home where she was found deceased.
“An argument ensued that afternoon when Fredi produced a firearm and shot Lizzy, killing her,” RPD said yesterday. “He then fled the house before officers arrived.”
With assistance from patrol officers, the department’s METRO Team, and bloodhounds from both their department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect was located a couple hours later in the area of Spruce Street and the 91 Freeway.
“The handgun believed to have been used in this shooting was found near the scene with help from officers canvassing the area looking for witnesses and additional surveillance video,” RPD continued.
Detectives arrested Lucero and he was later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside on suspicion of first-degree murder and using a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Online jail records indicate he remains in custody in lieu of $2 million bail or bond and his next court date has been set for Sept. 21, at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
In the wake of the young victim’s murder her family, including Vicky Nunez Gomez, have begun to come forward denouncing domestic violence and asking other victims to make their voices heard.
“My dear niece and Goddaughter was the victim of this crime,” Gomez said in a social media post last night that included Riverside PD’s press release from yesterday. In her post she described Lizzy as not only a victim of a crime but a victim of ongoing domestic violence.
“If you, yourself are a victim of domestic violence, talk to someone, never be afraid, someone will help you,” she wrote.
“I can’t begin to tell you how much this hurts,” she continued; adding, “Lisa… you’ll be missed… we love you.”
Anyone with additional information regarding this homicide and arrest or anything that may have led to the shooting is urged to contact Detective Dan Mercadefe at (951) 353-7103 or [email protected], or Detective Brett Stennett at (951) 353-7213 or [email protected]. Callers can refer to incident file number 210020145 and can remain anonymous. Those wishing to remain anonymous can also email [email protected] or utilize the Riverside Police Department’s mobile app “Submit a Tip” feature.
Contact the writer: [email protected]
Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.
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 30 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 18 grandchildren.
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