Remains belonging to 31-year-old Angel Ponce were found March 2, 2023 near East Benton and Sage roads in an unincorporated area near Hemet, California. Ponce, originally from Escondido, had been reported missing by his family on February 18, 2023. He had been living in Temecula with 31-year-old Danielle Ricker, who was reported missing on February 23, 2023; investigators say both were presumed deceased based on evidence gathered during the probe.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department identified 59-year-old David Alan Floyd of Temecula as a suspect. Floyd had a prior history with Ricker, including a November 2021 incident that led to a charge of battery on a spouse or partner; in February 2023 he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disturbing the peace and was placed on probation with a restraining order prohibiting contact with Ricker. Investigators executed a search warrant at Floyd’s residence on February 27, 2023 and arrested him. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, violating a domestic violence court order, and possession of a firearm while prohibited, and is being held without bail.

No specific motive has been disclosed and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Deanne of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.