Father of 4 killed after man randomly shoots at passing cars in Riverside County

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. – A man is behind bars after allegedly shooting at passing vehicles on the road, ultimately hitting two people, killing one of them. 

Deputies from the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of West Seventh Street and South San Jacinto Street on June 3 around 7 a.m. for reports of shots fired.

Officials say the suspect, 39-year-old Julio Cesar Rodarte, was shooting at passing vehicles. Multiple cars were struck by gunfire and two people suffered gunshot wounds. 

The two people were taken to the hospital for treatment, but unfortunately, one of them died. The victim was identified as 42-year-old Victor Hugo Leon.

According to a GoFundMe account, Leon was on his way home from work when he was shot. He had just finished an overnight shift and was just a few minutes away from his home, the GoFundMe read. 

Leon was a father of four.

“Victor’s smile and sense of humor will be truly missed, he leaves a hole in the hearts of us who knew him,” the GoFundMe said.

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During the investigation, officials identified and arrested the suspect.  

Rodarte was booked for murder and ten counts of attempted murder. It is unclear why he was randomly shooting at cars. 

The investigation is still ongoing. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Scott with the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955–2777 or Investigator Martinez with the San Jacinto Station at (951) 654–2702.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.