Moreno Valley's quest for justice in a cold homicide case has seen a breakthrough, as the Riverside Sheriff’s Department discloses new developments. Michel Fernando Garcia-Zazueta, a 26-year-old former resident of the city and currently incarcerated on separate charges at the Robert Presley Detention Center, has been charged with the October 2020 murder of 21-year-old Daniel Michael Murua. In addition to murder, Garcia-Zazueta faces a firearm enhancement and is charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a statement by the Department.
Accompanying Garcia-Zazueta in the list of those apprehended is Andrew George Perez, hailing from Colton, who at 24 years old faces charges for being an accessory. The investigation by Riverside's Central Homicide Unit, now years in the making, persists as detectives urge the public for any additional information that could breathe new life into the proceedings.
The initial reports of the shooting emerged after deputies from Moreno Valley Station received a shots fired call in the wee hours of a 2020 Halloween night. The target, a 21000 Block of Dracaea Ave location in Moreno Valley, became a murder scene when deputies discovered Murua's lifeless body, the Riverside County Sheriff's office confirms.
The Department continues to withhold additional information as the inquiry rolls on, making clear that this case is far from closed. Witnesses or those privy to pertinent details can reach the Central Homicide Investigator Munoz at (951) 235-9833 or (760) 770-2452.
