Luis Alberto Quiroz-Arreola, known affectionately to his family and friends as "Beto," was a dedicated partner, a loving father, and a man who took great pride in his work. At 31 years old, he was the eldest of three children and a doting father to his 8-year-old daughter, Alexia. His longtime partner, Viviana Gonzalez, described him as a man who worked hard for his family, was friendly to everyone, and had a passion for helping people that guided him into a career as a security guard.
He enjoyed his job, which he took very seriously, though his family worried about the dangers of working unarmed during overnight shifts.
In the pre-dawn hours of Monday, October 5, 2026, Quiroz-Arreola was working his post as an unarmed security guard at the iconic Crystal Pier in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community. Shortly after 2 a.m., the sound of several gunshots shattered the quiet along the 4500 block of Ocean Boulevard. Employees and patrons from nearby businesses, including the 710 Beach Club, heard the gunfire and ran outside to investigate. They discovered Quiroz-Arreola on the ground with critical injuries. While some witnesses gave chase to the fleeing shooter, others rushed to Quiroz-Arreola’s side, administering first aid until paramedics arrived.
First responders from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department quickly transported him to a local hospital. Despite their efforts and the immediate aid from bystanders, Luis Alberto Quiroz-Arreola died from his injuries. His partner, Viviana, grew worried when he didn’t come home at his usual time. She saw a news report about the shooting at the pier and rushed to the scene, where her worst fears were confirmed.
The San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit launched an investigation into the killing. Detectives began collecting evidence and witness statements, and they scoured the area for surveillance footage. They later released video showing a person of interest dressed in dark clothing with a hood pulled over their head. The individual was seen walking near the pier and riding what appeared to be an electric bicycle or minibike away from the scene through an alley. Witnesses reported that the shooter fled northbound after the attack. A motive for the shooting has not been determined.
No arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved. Quiroz-Arreola’s family has made an emotional plea to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. “He was just doing his job,” Viviana Gonzalez said of him. Grieving the future moments stolen from her family, she added, “He took a very good guy. My daughter doesn’t get to walk with him down the aisle.” She later discovered messages her daughter sent to her father’s iPad after his death, which read, “I miss you daddy I miss your face.” Despite her grief, Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the strangers who tried to save him. “I am so happy somebody was there with him, helping him and he wasn’t alone and people do care,” she said.
In the days following the shooting, a large group of family, friends, and community members gathered at Crystal Pier for a candlelight vigil. They left flowers, photos, and messages to honor the man they had lost. At the vigil, his mother, Gloria Quiroz, tearfully pleaded for justice for her son. A GoFundMe page was created to provide financial support for his daughter and family during this difficult time.
As of October 2026, the investigation is ongoing. San Diego police are asking for the public's help to identify the person responsible for Luis Alberto Quiroz-Arreola’s death. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.
