Redlands, California — A Southern California man is in custody after authorities say he shot and killed his half-brother and then attempted to endanger the victim’s children by leaving gas burners running inside the family’s apartment while they slept.
According to the Redlands Police Department, Zackary Brodowski, 32, has been arrested and charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder following the fatal shooting of Aaron Richard Rivera, 36, early Tuesday morning.
Deadly shooting reported at Redlands apartment
Police say officers were dispatched to the Rivera Apartments on Kansas Street early Tuesday after receiving reports of gunshots fired inside the complex. When officers arrived, they located Rivera inside an apartment suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds.
Despite emergency response efforts, Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
Gas burners allegedly left on as children slept
Investigators say the violence did not end with the shooting. Police allege that Brodowski left the gas burners on the kitchen stove, filling the apartment with gas while the victim’s two children were asleep inside the residence.
Officers quickly secured the unit and removed the children safely, preventing what police believe could have been a second deadly outcome.
Suspect identified as victim’s half-brother
During the initial investigation, police determined that the suspect was related to the victim.
“Family members and evidence located at the scene indicated the suspect was the victim’s half-brother,” the department said in a statement.
Brodowski was soon identified as the primary suspect, and detectives began tracking his movements following the shooting.
Surveillance footage shows suspect fleeing scene
According to police, surveillance cameras from the apartment complex captured the suspect fleeing immediately after the shooting. The footage allegedly shows Brodowski leaving the area in a silver 2008 Ford Focus, helping investigators identify both the suspect and his vehicle.
Using the footage and additional investigative leads, authorities were able to locate Brodowski later that same day.
Arrest made after SWAT surveillance
Detectives traced the suspect and vehicle to a residence in the 900 block of California Street in Calimesa, east of Redlands. Police say members of the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team assisted in establishing surveillance at the location.
Brodowski was eventually taken into custody without incident, authorities confirmed.
Firearm and clothing recovered during search
After the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. During the search, police recovered a firearm believed to be the murder weapon, along with clothing matching what the suspect was seen wearing at the time of the shooting, according to the department.
These items are expected to play a key role as the case moves forward in court.
Suspect held without bail
Brodowski is currently being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, police said. Court records were not immediately available, and it is unclear when he is scheduled to make his first court appearance.
The condition of the children has not been publicly disclosed, though police confirmed they were not physically injured.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities say the investigation remains active as detectives continue to review evidence, interview witnesses, and determine what led to the fatal confrontation.
Police have not released a possible motive but emphasized that the case is being treated as a domestic homicide with attempted murder enhancements due to the danger posed to the children.
Conclusion
What began as a family dispute ended in tragedy, leaving one man dead and two children narrowly escaping serious harm. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case aggressively as investigators finalize evidence tied to the shooting and the alleged attempt to endanger the children.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Redlands police.
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