San Jacinto, California – A harrowing incident unfolded in the streets of San Jacinto as a man armed with a semiautomatic weapon began shooting at passing cars, resulting in the tragic death of one individual. Julio Rodarte, 39, now faces charges of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident that shocked the community.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling moments as the gunman unleashed close to 30 shots on State Street, north of W. 7th Street, around 7 a.m. on Monday. One witness, Enrique Tores, who owns a nearby business, expressed his fear for the safety of his employees as the chaos unfolded. Rodarte’s erratic behavior prior to the shooting – attempting to buy liquor with insufficient funds, discarding his weapon, and eventually stripping naked – only added to the confusion and danger of the situation.
Despite the chaos, authorities were able to swiftly apprehend Rodarte and prevent further harm. Multiple vehicles were damaged, and tragically, one man lost his life while another sustained injuries. The victim, Victor Hugo Leon, a 42-year-old family man, was returning home from work when he was caught in the crossfire. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Leon’s grieving family, highlighting the devastating impact of the senseless violence that occurred that fateful morning.
The community mourns the loss of a beloved husband and father, describing Leon as a man with a contagious smile and a warm sense of humor. The void left by his untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and devastating consequences of gun violence. As the investigation continues and the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, questions linger about the underlying factors that led to such a tragic event in a normally peaceful neighborhood.