In the early morning hours of a quiet Sunday in a Yuma, Arizona neighborhood, the lives of two men were tragically cut short. Angel Torres, a 28-year-old male, was fatally shot on December 29, 2019. The incident, which also claimed the life of 37-year-old Monico Rico, unfolded on 14th Avenue, between 9th Place and 10th Street, leaving the local community in a state of shock and fear.
A concerned citizen's 911 call pierced the pre-dawn stillness, reporting the sound of a man crying for
help, followed by the terrifying echo of seven gunshots. The witness also described seeing a black truck fleeing the area, though its connection to the tragic events remains unconfirmed by authorities. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found both Angel Torres and Monico Rico lying on the ground. Immediate life-saving measures were administered by the Yuma Fire Department before both men were rushed to Yuma Regional Medical Center. Despite their efforts, both men were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Yuma Police Department launched a double murder investigation into the deaths of Torres and Rico. In the wake of the tragedy, memorials were established at the scene, and Angel Torres's family created a Go Fund Me account to help with funeral expenses. Authorities have continued to investigate the double homicide and have urged anyone with information to come forward, offering the option to remain anonymous. The violent and sudden loss of Angel Torres and Monico Rico serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on a community.
