Suspect in murder of Coachella Valley couple pleads not guilty
Jesus Ruiz Jr., one of three suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of Audrey Moran and Jonathan Darling Reynoso, appeared in a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon.
Ruiz Jr. is charged with 2 counts of accessory murder. He pleaded not guilty to all counts and his bail was set at $500,000.
The investigation continues into the couple who was reported missing on May 12, 2017. Jonathan Darling Reynoso, 28, and Audrey Moran, 26, were last heard from on May 10.
On Tuesday Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin held a news conference. "We have found remains," Bianco said. "We thought we would be able to get DNA results back before the press conference, we have not done that."
As of Wednesday morning, the department was still waiting to confirm DNA results.
"The investigation that lead us to the remains indicated that we did find them," Sheriff Bianco said.
Manuel Rios, 28, and Abraham Fregoso, 32, have also been arrested in the case. Rios is charged with 2 counts of first degree murder. Fregoso is charged with one count of first degree murder. The district attorney has also filed a special circumstance for the killing of a witness, which could make Rios and Fregoso eligible for the death penalty. According to the district attorney Audrey Moran was the witness.
Court documents allege Ruiz had knowledge of the alleged crimes committed by the other 2 suspects.
Sheriff Bianco said the department has followed up on hundreds of leads, and served more than 50 search warrants.
"I want to express my no only unbelievable condolences to the family, but they were with us this entire time. I need to thank them for their patience as they work with us through this," Bianco said.
It has been an agonizing journey for both families involved. They are now finally getting answers after 3 years.
Ruiz’s next court hearing is scheduled for July 13. Rios and Fregoso are set to be arraigned on Thursday.
