Family confirms identity of woman killed at Indio hotel
The Indio Police Department is investigating after a woman was shot and killed at the Royal Plaza Inn early on Sunday morning. Officers responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a disturbance at the Indio hotel at about 2:12 a.m
Officers arrived and found a Hispanic woman deceased inside a hotel room. The victim appeared to have one gunshot wound and died at the scene.
“There were at least five and five undercover cop cars. They had it all blocked off with (caution) tape and everything,” said Ray Aguiar, who lives in the surrounding neighborhood. “I’m kind of concerned because I have children that live right on the other side of the wall.”
Family members spoke to KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 on Monday, identifying the woman as 32-year-old Lilliana Yanez Arellano. Arellano’s family and witnesses from the hotel said there was an argument between Arellano and at least one man in the hours before her death.
Management at Royal Plaza would not go on camera, however over the phone they said they feel victimized as well. The murder happened in one of 99 rooms at what they call “a nice business”.
The homicide investigation is ongoing. Detectives with the Indio Police Department are investigating all available leads and currently have no information about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting at this time.
The Indio Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to call officers at (760) 391-4057 or Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP with anonymous information.
