Authorities are actively seeking a 20-year-old individual accused of fatally shooting his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend in Pasadena.
Following the gunshots, investigators revealed that the suspect engaged in a phone conversation with the victim’s mother and reportedly wept. The attack occurred as an ambush shortly before midnight at the Oakwood Village Apartments located on Pasadena Boulevard.
The Pasadena police have identified the wanted individual as Juan Carlos Mata, aged 20. It is believed that Mata may still be in possession of the firearm used in the alleged shooting that took place in the apartment complex parking lot.
If encountered, law enforcement advises against approaching him and urges the public to promptly report any sightings.
According to the police, Mata had been patiently waiting in the parking lot from approximately 6 or 7 p.m. onwards, anticipating his ex-girlfriend’s completion of her shift at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
As the 19-year-old woman arrived home shortly before midnight, investigators state that Mata fired a fatal gunshot to her head and discharged a few additional rounds into the air before fleeing with the firearm. Tragically, the victim, identified by her family as Lesley Reyes, was declared deceased at the scene.
According to the police, Reyes ended her relationship with Mata approximately a month ago. Family members have shared that Mata struggled to accept the breakup, continuously texting her and appearing at her apartment complex.
Although there was a single previous incident documented as a disturbance about a year ago, there were no reported instances of domestic violence investigated between them.
However, it appears that Mata persisted in attempting to establish contact with her despite her efforts to distance herself. Sergeant Raul Granados stated, “She was trying to stay away from him.
He didn’t want to see her with someone else.” Martinez, a family member, expressed that Mata was fully aware of his actions, stating, “He knew what he did. He knew what he did.”
The police disclosed that Reyes’ parents resided in the same apartment complex and were present when the gunshots rang out in the parking lot. Unaware that their own daughter had just been shot and killed, her mother placed a call to caution her about the ongoing situation.
Investigators revealed that Mata answered Reyes’ phone, engaged in a conversation with her grieving mother, and tearfully expressed remorse. Subsequently, Mata fled the scene after the interaction.
20-year-old Juan Carlos Mata accused of shooting and killing his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend Lesley Reyes in Pasadena