The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 11 that two suspects have been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred in Moreno Valley. The arrests followed the service of multiple residential search and arrest warrants in the cities of Hemet and Moreno Valley.
Authorities said the operation involved several law enforcement units, including the Special Enforcement Bureau, Major Crimes Unit, Riverside Police Department’s SWAT Team, Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force, and the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team. Both suspects taken into custody are 18-year-old residents of Moreno Valley. One suspect was identified as Avon Owens; the other was a minor at the time of the incident.
According to officials, “Owens was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for murder and the use of a firearm during the commission of a murder. The other suspect was booked into Southwest Juvenile Hall for murder and the use of a firearm during the commission of a murder.” The investigation remains active and ongoing, with no further information released at this time.
The case began on December 30, 2025, when deputies from Moreno Valley Station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon at a business located on Town Circle. Upon arrival, deputies found a 16-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Denham or Moreno Valley Station Investigator Morales by phone. Media inquiries are directed to contact their Media Information Bureau.
