Helen Alvarez, a 61-year-old grandmother from Rialto, California, was shot on March 3, 1996, outside her home at the Santiago Parkside Estates mobile home park on South Riverside Avenue. She and her daughter, Sonia Alvarez, had been returning from visiting Sonia’s boyfriend in Riverside County jail when an assailant approached and shot both women in the head; Helen died the following day and Sonia survived despite a gunshot wound to the face.

Investigators later explored links between the shooting and a broader crime spree attributed to Orlando Romero and his brother Christopher Self, who had been convicted in a series of execution-style killings and other violent crimes from October to December 1992. Police suspect Helen and Sonia may have been targeted because Sonia was dating Romero and could have posed a threat to his defense, possibly through knowledge or potential testimony.

The Rialto Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit has kept the file open; Detective Sgt. Paul Stella has noted challenges stemming from witness fear and reluctance. No resolution is recorded in these details. If anyone knew Helen or Sonia or has information about that night in March 1996, please come forward.