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Murder of Palm Springs resident at outlet mall in Cabazon shocks friends and family

Palm Springs resident Michael Moser, 66, was identified as the victim in last Thursday's deadly shooting at the Desert Hills Premium Outlet Stores in Cabazon.

Riverside County Sheriff's received a call on March 24 just before 7 p.m. that someone had been shot at the outlets. Deputies on scene located Moser and emergency crews attempted life-saving measures, but Moser died on scene.

Officials haven't said if they have any suspects or a motive for the murder. The investigation is still ongoing.

Chris Gialanella is the group publisher for the media company Modern Luxury. He was a close business friend of Moser. He said Moser went to the outlets to charge his car and get coffee on his way home from Los Angeles before he died.

"I'm so shaken up by the whole situation. I still can't get over it and I can't believe that he's no longer with us," said Gialanella. "This is someone who you never would expect something like this to happen to."

Moser spent most of his career in the luxury industry. He was the vice president of jeweler Harry Winston for nearly 10 years before retiring last November. 

"Supportive, dedicated, and really always loved what he did. He had so much passion. He loved luxury goods. He loved working in the jewelry industry," said Gialanella.

Moser was a staple in the luxury world in both Beverly Hills, South Coast Plaza, New York City, and Hawaii. 

"When I first met Michael, he was really a mentor to me, and honestly, just one of the most gracious, caring, positive spirits out there," said Gialanella. "People are gonna always remember the joy that he brought, the smile that he brought out of you. And I think it's gonna be something that is truly going to be missed. And Michael was such a divine person."

Michael Moser is pictured far left

His friends and family are now left with so many questions surrounding his death.

"Everybody wants to know what happened you know, and I think we all want closure. We all want to know... how did his life end? And what brought him to this place?" said Gialanella.

News Channel 3 contacted the management of the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon for a response but have not heard back. 

The sheriff's department is asking anyone with information to call investigator Birmingham at the Cabazon sheriff's station at 951-922-7100.

Article Topic Follows: Local News

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Marian Bouchot

Marian Bouchot is the weekend morning anchor and a reporter for KESQ News Channel 3. Learn more about Marian here.

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