Benjamin Ricardo Moreno III, known to his loved ones as "Nuhnuh" and "Rick," was a proud U.S. Marine, a loving brother, and a devoted uncle with an uncanny ability to make friends with strangers. Remembered for his humor, artistic ability, and skill as a dancer, the 20-year-old man was a beautiful soul whose kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on his family.
His generosity was a constant, and he was always trying to put a smile on the face of someone who needed one.
Born on September 24, 2006, to Benjamin Moreno II and Tina Marie Maupin, he grew up primarily in Hesperia, California, spending summers and holidays in Norwalk. In just three years, his life took him to many places, including Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, and North Carolina. He graduated from Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 2025. There, he was a member of the NJROTC program, becoming one of its most decorated cadets. He also earned a Phoenix Award for his incredible achievement of overcoming a freshman year lack of credits by taking extra classes to fulfill a promise to his mother that he would graduate on time.
Shortly after earning his diploma, he proudly joined the Marine Corps, where he served as a Logistics specialist and earned the rank of Lance Corporal. His family remembers him above all else as a proud Marine. He was a man who, through his actions, set an example of kindness and generosity that his family will remember for eternity.
On September 28, 2026, just four days after his 20th birthday, Benjamin was shot and killed in Los Angeles, California. The specific circumstances surrounding his death, including the time and location of the shooting, have not been publicly detailed. Information about what led to the incident, what witnesses may have seen, or where he was pronounced dead has not been released by authorities.
The investigation into Benjamin’s homicide remains ongoing. Details regarding which law enforcement agency is handling the case, the names of detectives assigned, and any potential leads, surveillance footage, or persons of interest have not been made available to the public. As of late 2026, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified or described. The case remains unsolved, leaving his family, friends, and community with unanswered questions about the violent end to a life so full of promise.
A visitation and service were held for Benjamin on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Green Hills Mortuary & Memorial Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, where friends and family gathered to honor his memory. His loved ones have quoted a line from the character Roronoa Zoro in the series "One Piece" in his memory: “Not even death can take my life away!”
In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that memorial donations be made in his honor to Stop Soldier Suicide, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide among service members and veterans. The case remains open, and the search for those responsible for Benjamin Ricardo Moreno III's death continues.
