Coroner IDs Homicide Victim Found In Santa Ana River Bottom

JURUPA VALLEY, CA — A man who was fatally shot during an unexplained attack in the Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley was identified Friday as a 52-year-old Riverside resident.

Oscar Aguilar was gunned down sometime Wednesday morning in the riverbed, south of the intersection of Clay Street and Van Buren Boulevard, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Sgt. Ben Ramirez said that passers-by found the victim and called 911. Deputies arrived about 11 a.m. and confirmed Aguilar had been shot to death.

A possible motive was not disclosed, and there was no word on whether Central Homicide Unit detectives had identified the shooter.

The river bottom is dotted with homeless encampments, and transients move through the area frequently. It was unclear whether the attack was in any way connected to transient activity.

Anyone with information was asked to contact detectives at 951-955-2777.