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$75,000 Reward Offered in Fatal Riverside Shooting

A $75,000 reward was offered Tuesday for information leading to the identification and apprehension of two suspects who shot and killed two men and wounded another in Riverside last month.

Riverside police investigators had previously released videotape showing one of the suspects, hoping someone may recognize the gunman and come forward.

Detectives have been working to develop leads since the Oct. 23 shooting that left Guatemalan nationals Juan Antonio Bartolo, 45, and Domingo Esteban, 26, dead, and another man, also 26, shot in the face.

Investigators say a passenger in a dark, mid-2000s model, mid-sized sedan similar to a Dodge Charger pulled up to the curb on Seventh Street near Kansas Avenue and parked about 9:35 p.m.

“The suspect got out of the passenger seat and walked up to the third victim who was standing on the corner and shot him,'' Riverside police Sgt. Bill McCoy said.

“Bartolo and Esteban were walking on Seventh Street near Kansas when they passed the suspect. After the initial shooting the suspect ran back to the suspect vehicle. The driver then got out ... and fired several shots at Bartolo and Esteban.”

Both suspects fled before officers swarmed the area.

Bartolo died at the scene from multiple wounds to the upper body. Esteban died the following day at Riverside Community Hospital.

The third victim is recovering from a shot to the cheek, according to police.

None of the victims were gang-affiliated, McCoy said, though the area has been plagued by gang-related violence in the past.

The passenger was described as black, in his 20s, about 6 feet tall and around 180 pounds. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and pants. A description of the driver was not available.

“During the ongoing investigation, a second vehicle that is possibly involved was seen in the area of the shooting,” McCoy said. “The vehicle is described as a maroon, early-2000s, mid-sized sedan similar to a Honda Accord.”

The reward money was offered by the city of Riverside.

Anyone with information was urged to call Detective James Brandt, who can be reached at 951-353-7208.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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