Ryan Harsany, a 43-year-old business owner from Grand Terrace, California, was tragically found dead on March 16, 2019. Harsany, who owned the Cal Skate Grand Terrace roller-skating rink, was discovered inside his burning business after deputies responded to a silent robbery alarm. Upon arrival, authorities found the building on fire and Harsany unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite being transported to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly before 7:30 a.m. that morning.
The investigation into Harsany's death revealed that he had been shot and then set on fire, a brutal act that left the community in shock. Harsany was well-known and beloved in the area, having grown up in Grand Terrace and spent much of his childhood at the skating rink he later came to own. Friends and family described him as a generous and non-confrontational person who brought joy to everyone he met.
In the weeks following the murder, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department conducted an extensive investigation. On April 21, 2019, authorities arrested Tre'elle Potts, a 25-year-old resident of Moreno Valley, in connection with the murder. Potts was charged with Harsany's murder, and investigators indicated that the crime occurred during a robbery at the skating rink. Potts was held without bail as the legal proceedings began.
The arrest brought some relief to Harsany's family and friends, who had been grappling with the senseless loss. Harsany's twin brother, Brian, a police officer in Brawley, expressed his devastation and desire for justice. The community continued to mourn Harsany's death, holding candlelight vigils and memorials to honor his memory and the positive impact he had on those around him. The case highlighted the profound grief and disruption caused by violent crime, as well as the resilience and solidarity of a community united in the face of tragedy.
