A homicide investigation in Los Angeles has led to murder and child abduction charges against 40-year-old Ruben Fregosojuarez, who authorities say killed his girlfriend before fleeing to Mexico with their 5-year-old daughter. Prosecutors announced that Fregosojuarez is facing one count of murder and one count of child abuse in connection with the death of 36-year-old Marysol Garcia.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, investigators believe Garcia was killed inside the family’s South Los Angeles home before Fregosojuarez allegedly abducted their young daughter, Daleza, and crossed the border into Mexico. Authorities said the suspect has family connections in Mexico, which investigators believe may have helped him flee the country after the killing.
The case first gained public attention after police issued an Amber Alert for the missing 5-year-old girl. Authorities said the child and her father were last seen Sunday morning near their South Los Angeles residence. Surveillance footage later captured Fregosojuarez walking near a parking garage in the San Ysidro border area while holding the little girl’s hand and carrying a suitcase.
Investigators later discovered Fregosojuarez’s 2018 Land Rover abandoned near the San Ysidro Port of Entry, close to the U.S.-Mexico border. However, neither the suspect nor the child were found at the scene. Detectives believe the pair crossed into Mexico shortly afterward.
Concern escalated after officers conducted a welfare check at the family’s home on Monday and discovered Garcia dead inside the residence. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact cause of death, but prosecutors confirmed that homicide charges were immediately filed following the investigation.
Nathan Hochman condemned the crime in a public statement, describing the case as a devastating act of violence that deeply affected the community. Hochman said the alleged killing of a mother followed by the abduction of a young child created fear and heartbreak for everyone involved, especially the missing girl.
As the search for Daleza continues, investigators believe Fregosojuarez remains somewhere in Mexico with the child. Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border are reportedly working together to locate them safely.
Meanwhile, grief spread throughout the West Adams neighborhood where Garcia lived. Family members, friends, and residents gathered during a candlelight vigil to honor the slain mother and pray for the child’s safe return. Neighbors described Daleza as a kind and cheerful little girl who was well-loved within the community.
If convicted on the charges, Fregosojuarez could face 25 years to life in a California state prison. Authorities continue urging anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts or the child’s location to contact law enforcement immediately.
