Irene Cardenas Reyes, a 35-year-old Latina, tragically lost her life on October 24, 2012, in Downey, California. She was one of three victims in a violent shooting spree that took place at United States Fire Protection, a business located on Cleta Street. The incident was reportedly linked to a botched Craigslist robbery. Jade Douglas Harris, a 30-year-old ex-convict and known gang member, was arrested and charged with the murders. Harris had responded to an online advertisement for a 2010 Camaro listed for sale by the business owners. Upon arrival, he brandished a firearm and demanded the car keys. When the workers were unable to provide the keys, Harris allegedly shot and killed Irene Cardenas Reyes and Josimar Rojas, and wounded another worker.
The violence did not end there. Harris then forced Susana Perez-Ruelas, the sister-in-law of the business owner, to drive him to her home to retrieve the keys. Once there, he shot and killed Perez-Ruelas and wounded her 13-year-old son. Harris was apprehended shortly after the incident and faced multiple charges, including three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and four counts of kidnapping for carjacking. The prosecution argued that Harris's actions were premeditated and driven by his intent to rob the business.
The legal proceedings against Harris were extensive. He was convicted of all charges, and the jury found true the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder during the commission of a burglary, carjacking, and kidnapping. The jury recommended the death penalty for Harris, and he was sentenced accordingly. The case drew significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crimes and the fact that Harris had been released from prison just three months prior, after serving an eight-year sentence for a takeover robbery.
The tragic deaths of Irene Cardenas Reyes, Josimar Rojas, and Susana Perez-Ruelas left a lasting impact on the Downey community. The case highlighted the dangers associated with online transactions and the potential for violence in seemingly routine interactions. The families of the victims have continued to seek justice and remember their loved ones, while the legal system has worked to ensure that Harris faces the consequences of his actions.
