On the night of August 12, 2024, at about 10:30 p.m., deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 24000 block of Bostwick Drive near Cactus Avenue in Moreno Valley. They found 30-year-old Gilbert Ramirez with multiple gunshot wounds; Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified 31-year-old Joe Miramontes Jr., also of Moreno Valley, as the sole suspect. Authorities say an unspecified dispute between Ramirez and Miramontes escalated and Miramontes allegedly drew a handgun and fired multiple shots, then fled. A warrant was issued and, on August 14, acting on a tip, officers located and arrested Miramontes at an apartment complex in the 1400 block of Laurel Avenue in Pomona. He was booked on suspicion of murder and held in lieu of $1.2 million bail.

Court records show Miramontes has a prior felony conviction for making criminal threats. In addition to murder, he faces alleged counts of being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm and possession of controlled substances for sale, plus sentence-enhancing allegations for use of a firearm and infliction of great bodily injury. The investigation is ongoing; authorities have not disclosed details of the dispute. If anyone has information about Gilbert Ramirez or the events that night, contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.