Father of 4 killed after man randomly shoots at passing cars in Riverside County
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - A man is behind bars after allegedly shooting at passing vehicles on the road, ultimately hitting two people, killing one of them.
Deputies from the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of West Seventh Street and South San Jacinto Street on June 3 around 7 a.m. for reports of shots fired.
Officials say the suspect, 39-year-old Julio Cesar Rodarte, was shooting at passing vehicles. Multiple cars were struck by gunfire and two people suffered gunshot wounds.
The two people were taken to the hospital for treatment, but unfortunately, one of them died. The victim was identified as 42-year-old Victor Hugo Leon.
Julio Cesar Rodarte
Victor Hugo Leon via GoFundMe
According to a GoFundMe account, Leon was on his way home from work when he was shot. He had just finished an overnight shift and was just a few minutes away from his home, the GoFundMe read.
Leon was a father of four.
"Victor's smile and sense of humor will be truly missed, he leaves a hole in the hearts of us who knew him," the GoFundMe said.
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During the investigation, officials identified and arrested the suspect.
Rodarte was booked for murder and ten counts of attempted murder. It is unclear why he was randomly shooting at cars.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Scott with the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955–2777 or Investigator Martinez with the San Jacinto Station at (951) 654–2702.