Investigation continues after three suspects charged with murder in deaths of Audrey Moran and Jonathan Reynoso

Family and friends of Audrey Moran and Jonathan Reynoso received the news over the weekend, more than three years since they last heard from the couple.

Three men are in jail and accused of murdering the couple.

The men are Coachella resident Manuel Rios, Abraham Fregoso of Indio and Stockton resident Jesus Ruiz Jr. 

Moran’s long-time friend Bertha Valenzuela spoke to us by phone. 

“I feel glad.  I mean I’m happy that they found something,  You know we’ve been waiting for this type of news for a long time now,” said Valenzuela. 

In announcing the arrests, the Sheriff’s Department did not say what led them to the suspects or where they were found.

The department wouldn’t comment further Monday, but they say the investigation is ongoing.

On Monday morning, Reynoso’s mother posted a lengthy and heartfelt message on Facebook, expressing her feelings now knowing that three men are in jail and accused of murdering her son and his girlfriend.

In the post, Mayra Torres Taylor wrote in part, “I still don’t know what occurred. Their bodies have not been found.  Yet murder are the charges.  My faith sits in my heart”.

Moran’s friends remember her as a “good person with a big heat” and as ”family-oriented” and “driven”.

Another friend of Moran’s summed up developments in the case. 

“Now some things are coming to light.  Hopefully this brings closure to the family and closure to her friends,” said George Sanchez. 

All three suspects in the case are expected to be arraigned over the next few days.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is planning to a press conference to talk about the case Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 at the Sheriff’s station in Palm Desert.

News Channel 3 will continue to follow developments in the case.