Suspect Arrested after Man Found Shot to Death in Riverside Parking Lot

Investigation Underway

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 52-year-old man who was found shot to death in a Riverside parking lot. The victim, identified as Carlos Delreal, was discovered with gunshot wounds in the AutoZone parking lot on the 1900 block of University Avenue around 10:45 p.m. on February 21.

Fatal Incident

Police responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find Delreal’s body in a vehicle. The shooter had fled the area before authorities arrived, leaving behind a crime scene for investigators to process.

Suspect Identified and Apprehended

Homicide detectives worked tirelessly to identify the suspected gunman, eventually concluding that Jose Leon Navarrette, 25, of Riverside, was responsible for the deadly shooting. On February 27, Navarrette was located and taken into custody at a motel in Colton. He was arrested for murder and is being held without bail.

Investigation Ongoing

Detectives have not yet revealed whether the suspect and victim knew each other, nor have they released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The case remains under investigation, and authorities are seeking any additional information that may aid in their investigation.

Get Involved

If you have any information about the incident, please contact Detective Mike Smith at 951-353-7103 or MikeSmith@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective Ricky Barajas at 951-353-7213 or EBarajas@RiversideCA.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the "Atlas 1" mobile app, available for download on Apple and Android devices.

Conclusion

The Riverside Police Department continues to investigate this tragic incident, and we urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in solving this case. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the suspect in this case?
  Jose Leon Navarrette, 25, of Riverside
• What is the victim’s name?
  Carlos Delreal, 52
• What is the current status of the investigation?
  The case remains under investigation, and detectives are seeking additional information to aid in their investigation.
• How can I provide information about this incident?
  Contact Detective Mike Smith at 951-353-7103 or MikeSmith@RiversideCA.gov or Detective Ricky Barajas at 951-353-7213 or EBarajas@RiversideCA.gov or submit an anonymous tip through the "Atlas 1" mobile app.