Crime & Safety
Charges Pending Against Man Suspected Of Killing Murrieta Dad While DUI In Temecula
The victim was walking within a Rancho California Road intersection at the time he was hit by the suspect.
MURRIETA, CA — Felony charges are expected to be filed Wednesday against a motorist suspected of driving under the influence and killing a married 39-year-old Murrieta father of two in Temecula.
Jonathan Ruiz, 38, of Bellflower was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center Friday night on suspicion of second-degree murder and DUI resulting in great bodily injury. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
His case was under review Tuesday by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.
According to sheriff's Sgt. Joseph Sinz, shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, Ruiz allegedly erratically drove through the intersection of Rancho California Road and Riesling Court, triggering a three-vehicle wreck that caused major damage to all of the vehicles involved.
David Heard of Murrieta was walking within the intersection at the time and was hit, according to the sergeant.
Sinz said patrol deputies and paramedics reached the location a short time later and pronounced Heard dead at the scene.
"Two passengers from one of the vehicles were transported to a hospital in stable condition," the sheriff's spokesman said.
They were recovering Tuesday.
Sinz alleged Ruiz, who didn't attempt to flee and escaped injury, was confirmed by deputies to be under the influence and was taken into custody without incident.
Background information on the suspect was unavailable.
An online fundraiser for the victim's family states that he leaves behind his wife, Elsie, and two young children.
"David was the heart of their family, always putting others before himself and showing up for those in need," the GoFundMe page stated, noting the campaign was created to assist the family with funeral costs and financial support.
As of 3:36 p.m. Tuesday, the GoFundMe page had raised over $23,000.
The collision remains under investigation by the sheriff's department. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Deputy Samuel Strizver at the Southwest Sheriff’s Station at 951-696-3000 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-776-1099.
