A Los Angeles man is facing murder and child abuse charges after allegedly killing his girlfriend and fleeing to Mexico with their 5-year-old daughter, authorities said.
Ruben Fregosojuarez, 40, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of child abuse in the death of his 36-year-old girlfriend, identified as Marysol Garcia.
The LAPD originally identified the suspect by the last name Fregoso.
Prosecutors say he also abducted the couple’s young daughter, Daleza, in the aftermath of the killing.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Fregosojuarez is accused of murdering Garcia before taking the child and crossing into Mexico, where investigators say he has family ties.
“The killing of a mother and the abduction of a young child is the kind of violence that shocks the entire community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “I cannot imagine the grief and fear that the innocent child faced as she was allegedly snatched after her mother was killed. The defendant will face his day in court.”
Surveillance footage captured Fregosojuarez on Sunday near a parking garage in San Ysidro.
He was seen holding the 5-year-old girl’s hand while carrying a suitcase, according to investigators.
His 2018 Land Rover was later discovered in the parking lot near the San Ysidro Point of Entry, but neither he nor the child were found at the scene.
Officials said the pair were last seen that same morning near their South LA home, prompting a search that led to an Amber Alert for the missing girl.
Police later issued a welfare check at the residence, where Garcia was found dead on Monday.
Investigators believe Fregosojuarez is in Mexico with the child, though his whereabouts remain unknown.
Meanwhile, a Wednesday night vigil in West Adams drew family members and neighbors mourning Garcia’s death and pleading for the safe return of Daleza.
Neighbors described the little girl as a bright presence in the neighborhood.
“The girl was so sweet, so young,” neighbor Carrie Coleman told ABC 7.
If convicted as charged, Fregosojuarez faces 25 years to life in state prison.
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