Ronny Joe Mitchell, Jr.
MENIFEE – After nearly a month long investigation, authorities arrested a Murrieta resident for the murder of Moses Almaraz.
Cal Fire arrived at the scene on Sunday, October 4 at about 6:56 P.M. after receiving a call of a man down in the 27000 block of Washington Avenue, in the city of Menifee. The Cal Fire personnel discovered a male adult lying in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Despite assistance from EMTs, the man ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at 7:04 p.m. Sunday, minutes after firefighters responded. Sheriff’s officials stated that Almaraz had not been hit by a car, but did not offer further details regarding the injuries.
Investigators from the Menifee Police Department were called to the scene and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit also responded, ultimately assuming the investigation into what was then deemed a homicide. The Riverside County Coroner identified the deceased as Moses Almaraz, 43 of Menifee.
Homicide investigators identified the suspect responsible for Mr. Almaraz’ death and obtained an arrest warrant for Ronny Mitchell Jr., 47 years old of Murrieta. However, they were initially unable to locate the suspect.
On Thursday, October 29, the Inland Regional Apprehension Team (IRAT) located and arrested the suspect. Mitchell was found in the city of West Covina. He was taken into custody and ultimately booked for murder at the Riverside County Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.
Anyone with further information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Matt Posson of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.
Mugshot: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
