California authorities filed charges against 5 men for the plot to murder Yesenia Torres. San Bernardino Police Department has confirmed that the murder was targeted.
It is clear that this case involves a hired killer. “The evidence shows that they stalked the victim over several months and days before her murder,” explained San Bernardino Police Department’s Detective Dominick Martin.
Why this case matters
Yesenia Torres (Jessica), a well-respected businesswoman of 44 years and an active member in the San Bernardino Community, was shot to death on 10th January. According to police, her husband is accused of orchestrating the crime.
The police report claims that Sergio Reveles 53, husband to the victim, hired 4 men to commit the murder. Reveles faces charges for murder under special circumstances. This includes lying in wait and committing the crime with the intention of financial gain.
Murder for Hire: The Key Details
Torres was seen walking to her car as another vehicle approached in the security footage. KCAL News A report was published containing security footage.
What led to Yesenia Torres death?
Video footage revealed an armed man, identified later as Gerardo Lamas, who exited a vehicle approaching Torres and approached her near her car, initially appearing to try to steal her purse.
Torres and Llamas fought. Torres even grabbed his gun during this altercation.
Officials from the law enforcement agencies have confirmed that Torres was shot multiple times as the gunman chased her around in the car.
The detective confirmed that nine shots were fired.
Authorities stated that Torres was in the middle a “contentious marriage.” San Bernardino police chief Darren Goodman highlighted Torres’ standing within the community by highlighting civic engagement and her support for local initiatives.
“[Torres] was well-known and well-respected… she was very civically engaged and supported numerous endeavors throughout the city,” Goodman said.
Later, the getaway car, which was allegedly driven Arnoldo Ruelas by Arnoldo, had been abandoned on a Walmart lot. The police stated that the evidence found inside the car was crucial in identifying other suspects.
The Yesenia Torres Murder Case: Arrests in this Case
On January 16, Gerardo Llamas, Arnoldo and Reynaldo Llamas were arrested. Five days later formal charges were brought. Sergio Reveles was arrested along with Juan Perez on the 13th of February.
Investigative findings revealed that Juan Perez owned a pallet business located on property jointly owned by Reveles and Torres. Reynaldo Rulas worked at the pallet firm.
The Community’s Reaction to the Tragic Murder
The Chief Goodman Statement made at the News Conference I pray that the work of our investigators will bring some measure of closure to this family, and those who have been affected by it.
Coming court proceedings
Five men accused of murdering Yesenia Torres for hire are expected to appear at court on the 14th March.