In early 2023, the tragic deaths of 31-year-old Danielle Ricker from Temecula, California, and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Angel Ponce from Escondido, came to light. The couple was reported missing in mid-February; Ponce on February 18 and Ricker on February 23. Both were residing together in Temecula at the time of their disappearance.
Investigations led authorities to 60-year-old David Alan Floyd, a resident of Temecula with a prior relationship with Ricker. Floyd had a history of domestic violence against Ricker, including a 2021 incident that resulted in a misdemeanor conviction and a restraining order prohibiting contact with her.
On February 27, 2023, detectives executed a search warrant at Floyd's residence on Galleron Street, leading to his arrest. Subsequently, on March 2, the remains of Ricker and Ponce were discovered near East Benton and Sage roads in the unincorporated area of Hemet.
Floyd was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with special circumstance allegations of taking multiple lives, being a probationer in possession of a firearm, and violating a domestic violence restraining order. In December 2023, a jury found him guilty on all counts. The following month, he was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The case underscored the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of adhering to restraining orders. It also highlighted the critical role of law enforcement in investigating and bringing to justice those responsible for such heinous acts.
