Chino shooting: At-large suspect ID'd by police after woman killed, man wounded

ByLeticia Juarez and ABC7.com staff KABC logo
Friday, March 22, 2019
Suspect ID'd in Chino shooting that left woman dead, man hurt
An at-large suspect has been identified after a shooting in a Chino parking lot that left a 25-year-old woman dead and another man wounded.

CHINO, Calif. (KABC) -- An at-large suspect has been identified after a shooting in a Chino parking lot that left a 25-year-old woman dead and another man wounded, authorities announced Friday.

According to police, Montclair resident Julio Cesar Rocha fled the scene in the 12500 block of Central Avenue on Thursday afternoon before officers arrived. He is considered armed and dangerous.

The shooting, which occurred about 2:43 p.m. Thursday, resulted in the death of Thalia Flores at the scene. Family members said she was gunned down in her car after leaving work.

The wounded male passenger was able to walk to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition and expected to survive.

On Friday afternoon, loved ones held a prayer vigil for Thalia.

Juana Alvarez, the victim's mother, said in Spanish, "My daughter didn't deserve this. She was a good person, a hard worker and we want justice, please."

The victim's sister said Rocha and Thalia were high school sweethearts, but a month ago, her sister left the abusive relationship.

"We are asking for justice for Julio to go to jail, that's all we want and for him to do what is right, to turn himself in," shared sister Berenice Flores.

A co-worker who asked not be identified said on more than one occasion, Rocha stalked Thalia while she was at work.

"She was scared, she feared him. She wanted to get out," the co-worker said.

She and other co-workers gathered to comfort one another, light candles and pray at the site.

Rocha is said to be 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 275 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. Investigators released a photo of him in hopes that it will help lead to his capture.

Anyone with information about the shooting or Rocha's whereabouts is asked to call Chino police at (909) 628-1234 or police Detective Chinnis (909) 334-3047.