San Bernardino County Sheriff’s homicide detectives have released a new composite sketch of the suspect believed responsible for the 2023 killing of a Rancho Cucamonga man, reviving public attention on a case that has gone unsolved for more than three years.
What to Know About the 2023 Investigation
On the evening of August 18, 2023, deputies and paramedics responded to the 10200 block of 25th Street, near Center Street and Hermosa Avenue, after multiple reports of gunfire. Officers arrived at approximately 8:14 p.m. and found 41-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident Victor Salazar lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound.
Salazar was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The case has remained open since, with no arrests or publicly identified motive.
New Leads and the Composite Sketch
Homicide detectives with the Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division said they developed new leads in the case and are now asking the public for help identifying the suspect. The department released:
- A photo of Victor Salazar, hoping someone who saw him before the killing may come forward with information
- Details on a possible suspect vehicle, described as a full-size SUV such as a Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban
- A composite sketch of the suspect, described as an adult Hispanic male with a heavy build, weighing approximately 300 pounds, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall, and possibly having tattoos
Investigators say the renewed push reflects the department’s practice of returning to cold cases as new evidence or tips emerge, even years after the original incident.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or the vehicle involved is asked to contact Detective Travis Kleveno at (909) 890-4904.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously:
- Call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006
- Submit a tip online through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s reporting portal
Legal Support for Families Affected by Violent Crime
Cases like this one are a reminder of how long a family can wait for answers after losing a loved one to violence. While criminal charges and prosecution are handled by law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office, families of victims may also have civil legal options available to them, including wrongful death claims against identified or vicariously liable parties.
If you or a family member has been affected by a violent crime or unresolved death in the Inland Empire, the personal injury attorneys at Attorney Jeff are available to discuss your legal options.