A memorial is growing outside a West Adams home after a man allegedly killed his wife and then kidnapped their young daughter.
The search continues for 40-year-old Ruben Fregoso, who is suspected of abducting 5-year-old Daleza Fregoso, according to the California Highway Patrol. The kidnapping of the young girl prompted law enforcement to issue an Amber Alert on Monday as the father and daughter were last seen during the early hours of Sunday in Los Angeles.
Sources familiar with the case tell NBC4 Investigates the father is suspected of killing his wife, who is the missing girl’s mother, inside their West Adams home. The manner of the woman’s death and her identity were not disclosed.
Since learning of the grim events, neighbors have been leaving flowers and candles in honor of the victim.
“I feel my heart was broken,” said Rodrigo Lopez, who works in West Adams. “She was a nice lady, friendly all the time when they passed by and say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ Every day, every day. Monday through Friday, I worked right there and she came.”
The CHP said Fregoso’s Land Rover was located near the Mexico border, but he and the young girl were not found. Investigators say Fregoso made statements that he intended to leave the country.
Legal Analyst Royal Oakes says if Fregoso is captured in Mexico, authorities would have to go through the extradition process, which could create additional hurdles for investigators.
“The fact that he may be in Mexico with his daughter is a game changer, and not in a good way,” Oakes said. “It makes it much more complicated for American authorities. You can’t just roll into a foreign country and start making arrests. You have to cooperate with local authorities.”
Meanwhile, people in the neighborhood say they’re praying for the safe return of the child as they remember her mother and the impact she had on those around her.
“We miss her,” Lopez said. “You see we put some candles and flowers. People love her. She was a nice lady, beautiful mother.”
Anyone who knows of Fregoso’s whereabouts is urged to contact 911. Anonymous tips can be made by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.