A California man, Julio Cesar Rodarte, 39, has been arrested and faces multiple charges after allegedly opening fire on passing vehicles in San Jacinto, approximately 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced that Rodarte has been booked into the Larry Smith Correctional Facility on charges of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.
Morning Shooting Incident
The shooting spree occurred on a Monday morning. At around 7:05 a.m., a caller reported to deputies from the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station that a male was shooting at vehicles on the road. Rodarte allegedly hit multiple vehicles, injuring two people. One of the victims, 42-year-old Victor Hugo Leon, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other gunshot victim is receiving medical treatment. Authorities swiftly secured the area, and the Central Homicide Unit, along with investigators from the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station and the Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau, responded to the scene. The Central Homicide Unit has since taken the lead on the ongoing investigation.
Tragic Loss for a Family Man
Victor Hugo Leon, the fatal victim, was a father of four and had been married to his wife, Griselda Zepeda, for 13 years. The family had recently purchased a home two years ago. Zepeda described her husband as a loving and dedicated family man. “He leaves us very broken,” she told KTLA. “He had that mean face, but he was such a sweetheart, always doing his best for his family.”
Zepeda shared the harrowing details of the morning of the shooting. Leon, who worked overnight shifts at a warehouse, typically returned home in the morning. When she woke up on Monday and realized he wasn’t home, she began to worry. After unsuccessfully trying to reach him by phone multiple times, she reported him missing and checked local hospitals, hoping to find him.
Community Support for the Family
In the wake of this tragedy, loved ones have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with burial expenses for Leon. The fundraiser describes him as “an amazing father, husband, and friend.” It notes that Leon was only minutes away from his home when the shooting occurred and that his smile and sense of humor will be deeply missed by those who knew him. The campaign aims to support his family during this difficult time.
Surveillance Footage and Witness Accounts
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moments of the shooting, showing Rodarte randomly firing at vehicles. Witnesses reported that after the shooting, Rodarte took off his shoes and clothes, adding to the bizarre nature of the incident.
Authorities have stated that they are not seeking any additional suspects in connection with the shooting. They have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or the San Jacinto Station at (951) 654-2702.