Esmeralda Casillas, aged 36, tragically lost her life on November 18, 2022, in Moreno Valley, California. The incident occurred during a custody exchange of her twin 7-year-old boys with their father, Salvador Velasquez Jr. The exchange took place near the intersection of Eucalyptus Avenue and Old Highway 215. Esmeralda was accompanied by her mother, Ofelia Casillas, aged 68, who was also fatally shot during the incident.
Both women were found with gunshot wounds inside a parked vehicle and were transported to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department quickly identified Salvador Velasquez Jr. as the primary suspect. Velasquez, aged 39, was arrested at his home in Coachella the following day. He was charged with two counts of murder and is being held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. The investigation revealed that the shooting was a case of domestic violence, occurring shortly after the custody exchange. Velasquez allegedly returned to the victims' vehicle and opened fire, killing both Esmeralda and her mother.
The custody exchange was part of a long-standing legal battle between Esmeralda and Velasquez, who had joint custody of their children. Family members described Velasquez as possessive and controlling, with a history of making threats. Despite these concerns, the family did not anticipate such a violent outcome. The twin boys were found unharmed at Velasquez's home and were placed in the custody of his parents following the incident. Esmeralda's family is seeking to gain custody of the children, expressing fears for their safety.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the dangers associated with custody exchanges. Velasquez's arraignment on first-degree murder charges was scheduled for December 6, 2022. The community has rallied around Esmeralda's family, offering support and advocating for the children's well-being. The tragic deaths of Esmeralda and Ofelia Casillas have left a profound impact on their loved ones and the broader community, underscoring the need for greater protections in situations involving domestic disputes and custody arrangements.
