On the night of March 22, 2025, 41-year-old Hispanic male David Abarca was fatally shot while walking home from work in the La Sierra neighborhood of Riverside, California. Abarca, a longtime employee of Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill, had stayed late to assist a coworker and missed his usual ride home. As he approached the intersection of Hole Avenue and Mitchell Avenue around 10:10 p.m., he was suddenly and unprovokedly attacked.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the assailant approaching Abarca from behind and opening fire, striking him multiple times. Emergency responders found Abarca unresponsive at the scene; he was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Andre Devin Thomas of Riverside, was apprehended within minutes of the shooting. A neighbor reported seeing Thomas flee through a yard and discard a firearm, which was later recovered by police. Authorities have stated that there is no indication that Abarca and Thomas knew each other, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Thomas was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $1 million.
David Abarca was a dedicated employee at Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill for nearly 25 years and was known for his cheerful disposition and strong work ethic. He was the father of a 10-year-old son and had recently moved to Riverside from Corona to be closer to his child. His family and friends have described him as a kind and positive individual whose loss is deeply felt. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with funeral expenses and support his family during this difficult time.
The Riverside Police Department continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with additional information to come forward. Police Chief Larry Gonzalez condemned the act as a "senseless act of violence" and affirmed the department's commitment to seeking justice for Abarca and his family.
