In early 2023, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigated the disappearances of 31-year-old Danielle Ricker of Temecula and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Angel Ponce of Escondido. Ponce was reported missing on February 18, followed by Ricker on February 23. Both resided together in Temecula, and evidence suggested they were deceased.
On February 27, investigators executed a search warrant at the Temecula residence of 59-year-old David Alan Floyd, located in the 34000 block of Galleron Street. Floyd was arrested in connection with the couple's deaths. Subsequently, on March 2, authorities discovered the remains of two individuals, believed to be Ponce and Ricker, near East Benton and Sage roads in the unincorporated area of Hemet.
Floyd had a prior history with Ricker, whom he referred to as his former "sugar girl." In November 2021, he was charged with battery on a domestic partner following an incident involving Ricker. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disturbing the peace in February 2023 and was sentenced to 36 months probation, with terms including no contact with Ricker and enrollment in a domestic violence program.
During the investigation, it was revealed that tensions had escalated between Floyd, Ricker, and Ponce over their occupancy of his property. On January 28, 2023, an argument ensued over keys to the residence, during which Floyd fatally shot Ponce and Ricker. He then transported their bodies in his vehicle and disposed of them in a remote area near Sage.
In December 2023, a jury convicted Floyd of two counts of first-degree murder, along with special circumstance allegations and other related charges. He was sentenced in January 2024 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
