Autopsy results awaited on murder vicitms

Autopsies today will reveal how five people, including four children, were killed Friday night in a Yuma home. The sixth person who was killed at 2037 E. La Mesa St., Luis Rios, 35, was found shot numerous times in the backyard.

Inside the home, police found Adrienne Heredia, 30, and her four children: Inez Newman, 9; Danny Heredia III, 6; and two 13-year-old boys.

The boys have not been identified because next of kin have not been notified, according to police.

Yuma Police Chief Robby Robinson declined to release details about how those in the home may have been killed. "Autopsies will show us if they were shot," he said.

No one has been taken into custody in the case. Police are still searching for a male, 27 to 34 years old, who is believed to be the killer. His whereabouts are unknown.

"I have no knowledge if the individual has gone to Mexico," Robinson said.

Robinson declined to comment on where the bodies were found in the home or if there had been forced entry. He said he did not know how the suspect entered the home.

Police spokesman Clint Norred declined to comment about the order in which the killings may have occurred. "That's all part of the investigation," he said.

Robinson said Adrienne Heredia and Luis Rios had been in a relationship for three to four months, and they had only recently moved into the home.

Theresa Guerrero, a family friend, said her children often went over to the house to play with Adrienne's kids. She said that Adrienne had been through rough relationships in the past, but life was better for her with Rios.

"Adrienne was very happy," said Kisty Guerrero, a family friend.

Adrienne and Luis played sports together often. Guerrero said Adrienne had started a new job and was enjoying life.

Patricia McGill, a second cousin of Adrienne, agreed that Adrienne had found her way onto a good path.

McGill, who stayed in touch with Adrienne, regularly travels to Yuma to see her family, many of whom live in Phoenix and San Diego as well.

McGill said there was no reason for the treatment the family received. She said the saddest part was to see the death of the children.

"They're innocent," she said. "They never asked for all of this."

Dozens of family members attended a press conference at the police department Sunday. Many could be heard crying as the names of the deceased were read aloud.

Family members declined to comment after the press conference.

Another press conference about the investigation is scheduled for today at 11 a.m.

Rumors have circulated about the murder, suggesting battles over custody, love triangles and other theories. Robinson said police were not going to speculate.

"We're considering all op- tions and all potential motives," he said.

Norred said investigators continue to gather evidence at the scene. He said homes nearby remain evacuated, but all residents have some access to their homes. As of Sunday afternoon, the police tape that blocked La Mesa Street at Donna Avenue had been removed.

However, officers were still on hand to ensure that only those living on the street were allowed through. The area that was completely blocked off had shrunk down to a small area surrounding the home.

All was quiet Sunday at the single-story brick home where the murders occurred. Mail remained in the mailbox, a blue sun shade could be seen in the backyard and a motorcycle and two vehicles were parked out front.

One of the vehicles, a Chrysler PT Cruiser, had a large decal in the back window for RC Liquor. Rios was said to have been connected to the business. Employees at RC Liquor declined to comment Sunday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Yuma County Attorney's Office and Yuma County Sheriff's Office are all assisting the police with the case.

"The FBI is involved because of the significant nature and complexity of the crime," Robinson said.

Police initially said that the two 13-year-old boys were ages 12 and 11. Norred said police received updated information during the investigation.

The sketch of the suspect was created with the help of witnesses who saw a man running away from the scene, according to Robinson. He said it was unknown if the suspect left in a vehicle.

According to police, the suspect is between 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 220 pounds. He has a stocky build, short black hair and was last seen in a black T-shirt and short blue baggy jeans.

When police reached the scene Friday night for a shots-fired call, they found Rios in the backyard. Norred said officers then went into a standoff position because it was unclear who else might be in the house.

"We just didn't know," Norred said. "It was an undetermined incident."

At about 10:30 p.m., officers threw diversionary devices into the home, went in and apparently found the victims.

Theresa Guerrero said Adrienne always had her kids with her, whatever she was doing, and now the killer had robbed her of her future with them.

"These people have no heart," she said.

The incident had shaken Theresa Guerrero, she said. "It could have been my kids in there," she said.

Jeffrey Gautreaux can be reached at

jgautreaux@yumasun.com or 539-6858.