Cold Case Unit

The Riverside Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit is asking for the public's assistance in solving the 2009 murder of Victor Sanchez.

On Friday, October 30, 2009 around 3:40 p.m., witnesses saw Sanchez’s white pickup truck jump a curb then crash into a building in the 5900 block of Brockton Avenue near Jurupa Avenue. Sanchez, 29-years-old, had been stabbed multiple times and later died at the hospital. Surveillance footage from a nearby market captured Sanchez cashing his paycheck minutes before the crash, as well as a suspect seen watching him closely. The suspect, also observed pacing in the parking lot, briefly spoke with Sanchez in Spanish before entering the passenger side of his truck. Just five minutes later, Sanchez was found stabbed and unresponsive in his crashed vehicle. Mr. Sanchez left behind a wife and two young children. He worked two restaurant jobs to support his family.

The Homicide Cold Case Unit is hoping someone will recognize the suspect captured on the surveillance video and contact investigators. Anyone with information about this investigation, or who may know the identity of this suspect, should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at (951) 320-8000 or [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

On Friday, September 5, 1996, Riverside Police Officers responded to 7756 California Street for a shooting. The victim, 24-year-old Christopher Alvarez, was shot and then ran to a nearby apartment for help.

He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment, but he ultimately died from the multiple gunshot wounds he suffered. Numerous people were interviewed during the initial investigation but were hesitant to provide information out of fear of retaliation.

Investigators believe there were witnesses to the shooting and are asking them to come forward to help solve this case. Anyone with information about this investigation should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

Almost 33 years ago on September 21, 1991, Riverside Police Officers and paramedics responded to 4270 Market Street in downtown Riverside for an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. Michael Anthony Soto was found with massive head trauma and evidence showed he was beaten and robbed. Despite lifesaving efforts, Michael died from his injuries several days later. He was 35-years-old at the time and a valued employee at the produce market where he was attacked. Michael had served in the military and was a father to a teenage son. The attack was reported by someone who called 911 from a nearby payphone, but this caller refused to identify himself and was never located. Investigators believe the caller and others have information about Michael’s death.

If anyone has information regarding this cold case homicide, please contact investigators at (951) 320-8000 or email [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

Thirty-seven years ago on October 13, 1987, a newborn baby was found discarded and dead inside a dumpster behind a business in the 5400 block of La Sierra Avenue. A man rummaging for recyclables found the baby. The newborn girl’s death was ruled a homicide by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office. Riverside Police Homicide Detectives worked diligently on this case, but all leads were exhausted and a suspect was not identified.

In 2020 and upon the formation of the Riverside Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit, this investigation was reopened. Homicide Cold Case Detectives worked closely with their partners on the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Team and were able to identify the baby’s mother through DNA as 55-year-old Melissa Jean Allen Avila. Ms. Avila was 19 at the time of the baby’s death and detectives have no reason to believe the baby’s father had any criminal culpability in the murder.

Detectives utilized our METRO Team and their participation on the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task for to begin searching for Ms. Avila. With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, Ms. Avila was eventually located in Shelby, North Carolina. She was arrested for murder and extradited back to Riverside County to face prosecution.

The Riverside Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit is asking for the public's assistance in solving the 2009 murder of Victor Sanchez.

On Friday, October 30, 2009 around 3:40 p.m., witnesses saw Sanchez’s white pickup truck jump a curb then crash into a building in the 5900 block of Brockton Avenue near Jurupa Avenue. Sanchez, 29-years-old, had been stabbed multiple times and later died at the hospital. Surveillance footage from a nearby market captured Sanchez cashing his paycheck minutes before the crash, as well as a suspect seen watching him closely. The suspect, also observed pacing in the parking lot, briefly spoke with Sanchez in Spanish before entering the passenger side of his truck. Just five minutes later, Sanchez was found stabbed and unresponsive in his crashed vehicle. Mr. Sanchez left behind a wife and two young children. He worked two restaurant jobs to support his family.

The Homicide Cold Case Unit is hoping someone will recognize the suspect captured on the surveillance video and contact investigators. Anyone with information about this investigation, or who may know the identity of this suspect, should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at (951) 320-8000 or [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

On Friday, September 5, 1996, Riverside Police Officers responded to 7756 California Street for a shooting. The victim, 24-year-old Christopher Alvarez, was shot and then ran to a nearby apartment for help.

He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment, but he ultimately died from the multiple gunshot wounds he suffered. Numerous people were interviewed during the initial investigation but were hesitant to provide information out of fear of retaliation.

Investigators believe there were witnesses to the shooting and are asking them to come forward to help solve this case. Anyone with information about this investigation should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

Juan Gomez Figueroa was last seen in late February 2020 and reported missing a couple months later in May. The next month in June 2020, the body of a deceased male was found in a wooded area of the river bottom in Jurupa Valley behind the 5400 block of Riverview Drive. The body was eventually identified by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office as Juan and investigators suspect foul play involved in his death. The case has been assigned to our Homicide Cold Case Unit and they are seeking the community’s help to find out what happened to Juan.

If you have any information that could held detectives, please contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at (951) 320-8000 or email [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

Donald Tobin was 52-years-old and last seen on Saturday, July 7, 2010. He left his home along the 3900 block of Redwood Drive to go put some items in a storage unit but never returned. The next day, his silver 2007 Toyota Corolla was found abandoned at Carlson Dog Park nearby. The items he planned to put in his storage unit were still inside the car along with his wallet and cell phone. There was no sign of Mr. Tobin at the scene.

The Riverside Police Department conducted an extensive search for Mr. Tobin in the Santa Ana River bottom and surrounding area, but still never found. He has not accessed his bank accounts or contact any of his family or friends since his disappearance 14 years ago. Mr. Tobin’s sister, Dana Eriksen, said she and her mother spoke to Donald on a regular basis every month and it was out of character for him to be out of touch for a long period of time. They believe he was the victim of foul play and klled.

Investigators do not believe Mr. Tobin left on his own accord, but it is unclear what caused his disappearance. This case remains unsolved and Mr. Tobin still remains missing.

Based on facts of the extensive investigation, Investigators believe Mr. Tobin was the victim of a homicide. This case went cold in 2010, however, it has been re-opened with hopes someone can provide additional leads.
Our Homicide Cold Case Unit is asking for the public’s help again. Anyone with information regarding Donald Tobin’s disappearance is urged to call (951) 320-8000 or email [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

Almost 33 years ago on September 21, 1991, Riverside Police Officers and paramedics responded to 4270 Market Street in downtown Riverside for an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. Michael Anthony Soto was found with massive head trauma and evidence showed he was beaten and robbed. Despite lifesaving efforts, Michael died from his injuries several days later. He was 35-years-old at the time and a valued employee at the produce market where he was attacked. Michael had served in the military and was a father to a teenage son. The attack was reported by someone who called 911 from a nearby payphone, but this caller refused to identify himself and was never located. Investigators believe the caller and others have information about Michael’s death.

If anyone has information regarding this cold case homicide, please contact investigators at (951) 320-8000 or email [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

On October 18, 1984, 28-year-old Victoria Rodgers was found beaten to death in her home, located in the 8200 block of Buckingham Place in the Ramona neighborhood of Riverside. A friend found Victoria unresponsive around 9:00 a.m. and called for help. Two young children were also in the home at the time but were physically unharmed.

The bedroom was ransacked and items were stolen, along with evidence found that the victim was sexually assaulted. DNA evidence collected at the scene was processed by investigators in 2015 and a suspect was identified but was never located.

This suspect, Joseph Luis Macias with a birthdate of January 2, 1967, also committed another homicide 9 years later on March 3, 1993. He has used many alias and has since evaded capture, and was believed to have fled the country. His current whereabouts are still unknown. Joseph Macias’ family told investigators he died in Mexico but provided no death certificate or proof otherwise.

With assistance from our METRO Team as part of their participation on the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, they are continuing to determine if Macias is still alive, and if so, pursuing his whereabouts. Extensive efforts have been made to verify his death but it has not been confirmed so far. Anyone with information about this open murder investigation, or the current whereabouts of Joseph Luis Macias (1-2-67), should contact the Riverside Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit at (951) 320-8000 or [email protected] and reference case number P384292051. Those wishing to remain anonymous can download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

On September 17, 1994, Riverside Police Officers responded to the 3500 block of Lou Ella regarding a suspicious vehicle. They located a 1978 yellow Chevrolet Camaro with white interior parked with the windows down. Inside, officer found 19-year-old Dennis Swain Jr. of Moreno Valley deceased. Dennis Swain Jr. was last seen on September 7, 1994. An extensive investigation was conducted but no arrest was made. Anyone with information about this investigation should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at [email protected] RPD Case# P394260179

In the early afternoon of September 1,1999, a worker found a badly burnt body in the orange groves at Tyler and Victoria. The woman was identified as 23-year-old Linda Chavez from Compton, CA. She was last seen on August 27,1999 in Compton. An extensive investigation was conducted but no arrest was made. Anyone with information about this investigation should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at [email protected] RPD Case# P3-99-244-127

On July 23, 2000, shortly after 5 P.M., 35-year-old Laura Elena Morales’ husband and children returned home from an afternoon away and found her deceased from obvious signs of trauma to her body.
Riverside Police Department personnel responded to the home in the 11100 block of Doverwood Drive in the City of Riverside and a homicide investigation was immediately started.

The early investigation led detectives to connect Laura Morales’ murder to an August 10th, 1999 sexual assault, which took place about a mile from the Morales home. As part of the sexual assault investigation the suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 25 years old, 5’09”, “Chubby,” with Black Hair and Brown Eyes. A composite sketch of the suspect was also prepared.

During the 22 years since these crimes occurred several interviews have been done and investigative leads followed, but the cases remain unsolved. Detectives are utilizing all current scientific technologies to assist with the investigation but, are confident there are people with information about these crimes that would bring resolution and those responsible to justice. Anyone with information about either of these investigations is urged to contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at 951.320.8000 or [email protected] RPD Case# P3-99-222-058 (Sexual Assault) RPD Case# P3-00-205-190 (Morales Homicide)

On Thursday, February 25, 1999, 29-year-old Ralph Mitchell and his 27-year-old wife of 8 months, Shivany Mitchell, were found shot to death inside their Riverside apartment, located at 1251 Massachusetts Avenue #20. A family member who had not heard from them found them. Investigators believe there may have been a witness to the shooting and the suspect(s) may have confided to someone about the murders. Anyone with information about this investigation should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit at [email protected]

On October 31, 1966, 0545 hours, Joseph Bates called Riverside Police to report his daughter Cheri Jo Bates missing. She left a note for her father stating she was going to the RCC library. On October 31, 1966, 0632 hours, a civilian reported that he found a body in the alleyway of Terracina near Fairfax on the RCC college campus. Officers responded and determined the death to be a homicide. The female was identified as, 18 year old, Cheri Jo Bates.

In 1967, Riverside Police Department received a hand written letter in the mail. This letter initially led investigators to believe the murder of Cheri Jo Bates may be associated with the murderer known as the “Zodiac Killer.” The letter and the interpretation of the signature on the letter generated much attention to the investigation and fueled many theories and much speculation regarding the case. In addition, sensitive information was released to the media which added to the curiosity and conjecture.

In April 2016, investigators received an anonymous letter postmarked from San Bernardino, California. This letter was typed and appeared to have been generated from a computer. The author of the anonymous letter admitted to writing the hand written letters. The author apologized for sending the letters and said it was a sick joke. The author admitted that he was not the Zodiac killer or the killer of Cheri Jo Bates and was just looking for attention.

In 2020, the Homicide Cold Case Unit and the FBI Los Angeles Investigative Genealogy Team, submitted the stamp from the letter for additional DNA analysis and subsequent interviews were conducted. The individual linked to the DNA evidence on the stamp admitted to writing the letter and sending it to Riverside Police Department. The author was a young teenager at the time and had a troubled youth. He said he wrote the letter seeking attention and was remorseful for his actions.

Investigators confirmed, the person was not involved in the murder of Cheri Jo Bates or involved in the murders associated with the "Zodiac Killer.” Additional information was developed regarding a separate set of letters sent to Northern California police agencies. The author claimed to be the “Zodiac Killer,” but the author ultimately admitted to sending the letters to keep the investigation going.

Early in the investigation, a potential suspect was identified in the killing of Cheri Jo Bates. Based on the evidence, this person of interest has remained the primary suspect over the years and continues to be the focus of the investigation. It is believed, acquaintances of the suspect have additional information which could potentially lead to the successful prosecution of the suspect. The FBI Los Angeles Investigative Genealogy Team and various additional law enforcement agencies continue to work the “Zodiac Killer’ murders. Information regarding the “Zodiac Killer” can be emailed to https://tips.fbi.gov

Based on the developments in the case, Riverside Police Department will not be directly involved in the “Zodiac Killer” investigation and will focus its attention on who killed Cheri Jo. Riverside Police Department investigators will continue to cooperate with the handling agencies as needed.

In 2021, Riverside Police Homicide Cold Case Investigators were contacted by a private citizen wishing to offer a $50,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and the conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Cheri Jo Bates. The private party has requested to remain anonymous to the public. The reward offer is valid until January 31, 2022.

Anyone with information specifically about the Cheri Jo Bates murder can contact investigators at the following dedicated email: [email protected]

On Tuesday, July 11, 1992 shortly before 1:00 p.m., a citizen called 9-1-1 after finding a man shot in the chest on a sidewalk in the 2700 block of McKinley Street, located in the Casa Blanca neighborhood. The victim, believed to be in his mid-20’s, was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He still has not been identified.

Along with our Forensics Unit, Homicide Cold Case Detectives have been working closely with the Riverside County Sheriff – Coroner’s Office, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles FBI Investigative Genealogy Team, and private laboratories to identify this victims through DNA analysis.

However, there is no further information to provide regarding her at this time. Detectives are hoping someone will recognize these basic details and come forward with additional information that can lead to their identities, as well as to identify those responsible their deaths.

Anyone with information about this investigations should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit [email protected].
 

On Wednesday, April 13, 1994, a female baby was found on a bus bench near Crest Avenue and Arlington Avenue in the Arlanza neighborhood. Her death was later determined to be a homicide. She has yet to be identified.

Along with our Forensics Unit, Homicide Cold Case Detectives have been working closely with the Riverside County Sheriff – Coroner’s Office, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles FBI Investigative Genealogy Team, and private laboratories to identify this victims through DNA analysis.

However, there is no further information to provide regarding her at this time. Detectives are hoping someone will recognize these basic details and come forward with additional information that can lead to their identities, as well as to identify those responsible their deaths.

Anyone with information about this investigations should contact the Homicide Cold Case Unit [email protected].