2 Arrested In RivCo Fatal Shooting Of Teen

MORENO VALLEY, CA — Two 18-year-olds have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy late last year in Riverside County, authorities said Saturday.

Avon Owens of Moreno Valley and another Moreno Valley resident who was a minor at the time of the shooting were taken into custody Friday, following a series of search and arrest warrants served in Hemet and Moreno Valley, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

The arrests stem from a Dec. 30, 2025, shooting in the 22000 block of Town Circle in Moreno Valley. Deputies responding at 7:38 p.m. to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon found a boy suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts, officials said.

Both suspects were arrested without incident during a coordinated operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Bureau, Major Crimes Unit, Riverside Police Department SWAT team, Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force and Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station Special Enforcement Team.

Owens was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder, officials said. The second suspect was booked into Southwest Juvenile Hall on suspicion of the same charges.

The victim's identity was not released. The investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Central Homicide Investigator Denham at 951-955-2777 or Moreno Valley Station Investigator Morales at 951-486-6700.