Chilling video shows wealthy businesswoman chased then fatally shot — in ‘definite murder-for-hire case’: cops

Tragic Demise in a Quiet Parking Lot

The quiet San Bernardino neighborhood was jolted on January 10 when Yesenia "Jessica" Torres, a 44-year-old entrepreneur, fell victim to a brutal murder-for-hire scheme. A chilling video captured the ambush, revealing the final moments of her life as she was gunned down in a parking lot. The footage, obtained by KCAL, shows a gunman, identified as Gerardo Llamas-Torres, emerging from an SUV and approaching Torres as she entered her Mercedes G-Wagon. Despite her valiant attempt to flee and a good Samaritan’s brief intervention, Torres was fatally shot, leaving the community in shock. Detectives later linked this heinous act to her estranged husband, Sergio Reveles, amidst a contentious divorce.

Unraveling the Murder-for-Hire Plot

Detective Dominick Martinez termed the incident a clear case of murder-for-hire, orchestrated by Reveles, 53, who allegedly hired four men to execute the crime. The initial confusion of a robbery was dispelled as investigators uncovered a plot hatched over a year ago. Llamas-Torres, 31, and Arnoldo Ruelas, 54, were identified as key suspects, fleeing to an abandoned Walmart parking lot after the murder. The duo switched vehicles, driven by Ruelas’s brother Reynaldo, 37, who unknowingly linked the crime to Torres through his job at a pallet business on a property she co-owned with Reveles.

A Motive Rooted in Greed and Divorce

The investigation revealed that financial gain was the primary motive, with Torres and Reveles embroiled in a bitter divorce involving substantial assets. Detectives found evidence of prolonged stalking, indicating meticulous planning. The case took a turn when Reynaldo Ruelas was connected to the pallet business, unraveling the web of conspirators. Reveles and his business partner Juan Perez, 42, were apprehended on February 16, alongside the seizure of over $286,000 and firearms, solidifying the evidence against them.

The Web of Accomplices and Their Downfall

The arrests began on January 16 with Llamas-Torres and Ruelas, but it wasn’t until later that the full extent of the conspiracy was exposed. Reynaldo Ruelas’s role as an intermediary proved crucial, revealing the depth of the plot. The involvement of Perez, who managed the pallet company, added another layer to the intricate scheme. Each suspect’s connection, though initially hidden, was methodically uncovered by diligent police work, ultimately leading to the capture of all five individuals.

Justice Sought Amidst Community Grief

Yesenia Torres’s death left her community reeling, mourning the loss of a civically engaged and respected individual. San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman highlighted her contributions, underscoring the emotional toll on the city. The suspects, charged with murder, robbery, and conspiracy, pleaded not guilty and face court proceedings on March 14. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and the importance of community vigilance in seeking justice.

A Somber Reflection on Violence and Justice

The tragic loss of Yesenia Torres reflects the darker aspects of human conflict driven by greed. Her community remembers her vibrant spirit and contributions, ensuring her legacy endures. As the legal proceedings unfold, there is hope that justice will be served, bringing closure to her family and community. This case underscores the need for unity in protecting one another and the critical role of law enforcement in upholding justice.