Man Charged With Killing Girlfriend in Los Angeles, Abducting Daughter

A Los Angeles man faces murder and child abuse charges after allegedly killing his girlfriend and fleeing to Mexico with their 5-year-old daughter. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges on Thursday.

Legal Charges and Potential Sentencing

Ruben Fregosojuarez, 40, was charged Wednesday in a felony complaint for arrest warrant. The charges include one felony count of murder and one misdemeanor count of child abuse under conditions other than great bodily injury or death.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Fregosojuarez could face a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison if he is convicted as charged.

Timeline of the Investigation

The case came to light on Monday at approximately 12:40 p.m. When LAPD officers responded to a radio call for a welfare check in the 2600 block of South Alsace Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased adult female inside the residence. Police stated that the woman appeared to have suffered a violent death.

Investigators later learned that Fregosojuarez had made statements indicating his intention to flee the country.

Did You Know? The suspect and his daughter were captured on surveillance video Sunday leaving a parking garage at the San Ysidro border crossing.

The Search for Daleyza Fregoso

The couple’s daughter, identified as 5-year-old Daleyza Fregoso, was last seen with her father at about 4 a.m. Sunday. They were located in the area of Alsace Avenue and Ferndale Street in Los Angeles’ West Adams area.

The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert on behalf of the LAPD to locate the child. A Land Rover Discovery SUV associated with the pair was subsequently found in San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that cases involving cross-border abductions significantly increase the complexity of recovery efforts. The outcome likely depends on the efficiency of cooperation between domestic agencies and foreign law enforcement to navigate jurisdictional boundaries.

Official Response and Next Steps

District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the killing of a mother and the abduction of a child is the kind of violence that shocks the community. He expressed concern for the grief and fear the child may have faced.

The District Attorney vowed that the defendant will face his day in court. The Family Violence Division is expected to pursue all available resources to seek justice for the victim and the child.

Because the suspect is believed to have entered Mexico, a possible next step involves continued coordination with federal and Mexican law enforcement authorities. The recovery of the child and the apprehension of the suspect remain the primary objectives, as their whereabouts were unknown as of Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific charges were filed against Ruben Fregosojuarez?

He has been charged with one felony count of murder and one misdemeanor count of child abuse under circumstances or conditions other than great bodily injury or death.

Where was the suspect’s vehicle located?

The Land Rover Discovery SUV was found in San Diego County, near the San Ysidro crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border.

What is the maximum potential penalty for the suspect?

If convicted as charged, Ruben Fregosojuarez could face 25 years to life in state prison.

What measures can be taken to improve the speed of international cooperation in child abduction cases?