Authorities have arrested multiple men in connection with the murder-for-hire plot that led to the tragic killing of a Southern California businesswoman, identifying her estranged husband as the alleged mastermind.
Yesenia “Jessica” Torres, 44, was fatally shot on January 10 outside a popular San Bernardino hamburger restaurant she often visited. Investigators say the attack was carefully planned and linked to a bitter divorce dispute.
Attack Captured on Surveillance Footage
During a press briefing on Tuesday, the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) released surveillance footage showing Torres engaged in a confrontation with a man. The exchange escalated into a brief struggle, after which the assailant drew a firearm and fired nine times. Torres attempted to reach the restaurant’s entrance but collapsed near the doorway, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Murder-for-Hire Scheme Tied to Business and Divorce Battle
According to SBPD Detective Dominick Martinez, investigators determined that five suspects involved in the killing were linked to Torres’ estranged husband, Sergio Reveles, 53. The couple, who co-owned a pallet business in San Bernardino, had been entangled in a long and contentious divorce involving millions of dollars in shared assets across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
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Detectives discovered that Torres had been under surveillance for months, with the suspects allegedly tracking her movements before the attack.
Suspects Identified Through Investigation
The individuals arrested in connection with the murder include:
- Reynaldo Ruelas, 37 – Alleged key figure in the plot
- Arnoldo Ruelas, 54 – Brother of Reynaldo, tied to the scheme
- Juan Perez, 42 – Business associate of the couple, leasing their pallet company
- Gerardo Llamas, 31 – The fifth suspect involved in the crime
Authorities believe Reveles orchestrated the murder, using his business connections to facilitate the attack.
Search Warrants Reveal Key Evidence
Law enforcement executed seven search warrants at properties linked to the suspects, uncovering large sums of cash, firearms, and a set of clothing allegedly worn on the day of the murder.
Charges and Special Circumstances
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson announced that all suspects face murder charges with special circumstances, including:
- Lying in wait
- Financial gain
- Committing the crime during a robbery
Authorities continue their investigation, believing the murder was a premeditated act driven by financial and personal conflicts.
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