Antonio Anaya, a 25-year-old resident of Home Gardens in Corona, CA, was tragically killed on January 26, 2020. Anaya, who had been estranged from his gang, the Corona Varrio Locos Matadores, was targeted due to internal conflicts. On the day of his death, Anaya was lured to a gang hangout by Eric "Silent" Chaparro, a former associate. Chaparro, along with then-15-year-old Horacio Monroy, orchestrated the attack.
Monroy, hiding in nearby shrubs, opened fire with a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun when Anaya became suspicious and drew his own 9mm pistol. Despite returning fire, Anaya was gravely wounded and later pronounced dead at Riverside Community Hospital.
The investigation into Anaya's death was extensive, involving statements from local residents, security footage, and mobile phone records. This evidence led to the arrest of Chaparro and Monroy in August 2020. Chaparro was charged with first-degree murder and special circumstance allegations, including killing for the benefit of a criminal street gang and lying in wait. He was convicted in June 2024 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Monroy's case was handled in juvenile court, and its outcome remains undisclosed. The case highlighted the violent dynamics within gang affiliations and the severe consequences of internal disputes.
