On November 26, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Huron Police responded to reports of gunfire on the 36000 block of Mouren Drive in Huron, California. Upon arrival, officers discovered 37-year-old April Diaz lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation, led by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, revealed that the suspect, 19-year-old Andrew Leon from Marina, California, was in a relationship with Diaz's daughter.
According to authorities, an argument ensued between Leon and Diaz outside her residence, culminating in Leon allegedly shooting Diaz before fleeing the scene.
Later that evening, Leon surrendered to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, confessing to the homicide committed in Huron. Fresno County detectives coordinated with Monterey deputies to take Leon into custody at the county line, after which he was booked into the Fresno County Jail on murder charges.
Subsequent court proceedings have been initiated. In April 2024, during a preliminary hearing, Leon's ex-girlfriend testified that he had harassed her and her mother with threatening messages and calls prior to the incident. Another witness recounted hearing a confrontation between Diaz and a man just before the shooting. Additionally, it was disclosed that a kitchen knife was found under Diaz's body, though its significance to the case remains under examination. Leon is currently awaiting trial, facing charges that could result in a sentence of 50 years to life in prison if convicted.
Authorities continue to seek additional information regarding this case. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact Detective Jesse Gloria at (559) 600-8217 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. Informants may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
