Ariel Alexander Angel Peralez, a 29-year-old resident of Arvin, California, tragically lost his life on May 24, 2022. Peralez was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 1200 block of Durham Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that Peralez was involved in a romantic relationship with the same woman as his accused killer, Armando Ortiz Jr.
This conflict over a romantic relationship appears to have been the motive behind the fatal shooting.
On the night of the incident, surveillance footage captured Ortiz and another man walking through a parking lot where Peralez was also seen. Although the actual shooting was not recorded, a witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing Ortiz pointing an object at Peralez as he screamed and fell. The witness, who was in custody for an unrelated incident, denied involvement in the homicide but provided crucial information about the events leading up to the shooting.
Ortiz was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail. The case has seen multiple court appearances, with Ortiz's preliminary hearing scheduled for February. The investigation also explored the possibility of a setup, as it seemed unusual that Ortiz and the witness coincidentally encountered Peralez that night. However, both the witness and his girlfriend denied any involvement in orchestrating the meeting.
The tragic death of Ariel Alexander Angel Peralez has left his family and friends in mourning, and the legal proceedings against Ortiz continue as the community seeks justice for Peralez.
