In the spring of 2026, a deeply concerning situation unfolded in Los Angeles, California, involving 40-year-old Ruben Fregoso Juarez and his young daughter. On May 24, 2026, Ruben was last seen with his five-year-old daughter, Daleyza Fregoso. What began as a welfare check at a residence in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles quickly escalated into a homicide investigation and a frantic search for the missing father and child. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department discovered the body of a woman, later identified as Marisol Garcia Palacios, who had died as a result of violence. Ruben, who was the victim's husband or boyfriend, was immediately identified as a person of interest in her death. Compounding the tragedy, both Ruben and the couple's daughter, Daleyza, were missing.
The investigation into Marisol's death and the simultaneous search for Ruben and Daleyza intensified as evidence suggested a potential international flight.
Authorities learned that Ruben had made statements indicating he intended to flee the country. This information prompted the issuance of an Amber Alert for Daleyza on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department. The alert described Daleyza as a young girl with black hair and brown eyes. Ruben was described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The two were believed to be traveling in a white 2019 Land Rover Discovery. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a parking structure in San Ysidro, a community located at the U.S.-Mexico border, further fueling suspicions that Ruben had crossed into Mexico with his daughter. Surveillance footage from the area appeared to show a man resembling Ruben walking with a small child.
The search for Ruben and Daleyza stretched on for nearly three weeks, causing immense concern for the well-being of the young girl. During this time, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office formally charged Ruben Fregosojuarez with one count of murder and one misdemeanor count of child abuse. The case took a significant turn in mid-June 2026 when authorities in Mexico located both Ruben and Daleyza. The Los Angeles Police Department announced that Daleyza had been found safe and was in the custody of Mexican officials. Simultaneously, Ruben Fregoso was taken into custody in Mexico. Following her recovery, U.S. Embassy officials began working to reunite Daleyza with her family. The extradition process for Ruben Fregoso was also initiated so he could face the murder and child abuse charges against him in Los Angeles. This case, which began as a heart-wrenching disappearance, concluded with the safe recovery of a child and the apprehension of the man suspected of a violent crime.Last Seen: May 24, 2026
