Crime & Safety
Murrieta Dad Killed By DUI Driver In Temecula Crash: RSO
The fatal crash was reported at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Riesling Court, east of Interstate 15.
TEMECULA, CA — A Bellflower man faces murder and drunk driving charges after a multi-vehicle crash Friday evening in Temecula left a Murrieta father and husband dead and sent two others to the hospital, authorities said.
Jonathan Ruiz, 38, was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence causing injury following the July 24 crash, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Monday afternoon the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau identified the victim as 39-year-old David Heard of Murrieta.
Deputies from the Southwest Sheriff’s Station responded to the collision around 6:51 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Riesling Court, east of Interstate 15.
Upon arrival, deputies found three heavily damaged vehicles and a pedestrian who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff's department.
Deputies determined that Ruiz was one of the involved drivers and he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Two passengers from one of the vehicles involved were taken to a local hospital in stable condition, the sheriff's department reported.
An online fundraiser for Heard's family states that he behind his wife, Elsie, and two young children.
"David was the heart of their family, always putting others before himself and showing up for those in need," the GoFundMe page stated, noting the campaign was created to assist the family with funeral costs and financial support.
As of 1:45 p.m. Monday, the GoFundMe page had raised just over $5,000.
The collision remains under investigation by the sheriff's department. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Deputy Samuel Strizver at the Southwest Sheriff’s Station at 951-696-3000 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-776-1099.
