Michael A. Rangel, 68, an Army veteran and grandfather, was shot and killed on October 28, 2023 while watering his front lawn in Riverside, California. The shooting happened in broad daylight and left his family and the community grieving.

Riverside Police detectives later identified two suspects. Gabriel Molina, 29, was arrested on murder charges; Mark Anthony Valdez, 28, was charged with accessory to murder. Molina, a convicted felon, was out on bail at the time and had prior arrests linked to a series of armed robberies at fast-food restaurants in Riverside and Moreno Valley between June and December 2022. In October 2023 Molina had also led police on a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash and his hospitalization; he left the hospital before being taken into custody and remained at large until his arrest in connection with Rangel’s death.

Police have not released a motive and investigators continue the inquiry. Rangel is survived by his wife Mary, four children, and nine grandchildren. If anyone has information, please contact the Riverside Police Department or email anonymous tips to [email protected]?