A five-year-old California girl reported missing after the death of her mother has been found safe in Mexico, bringing an end to a two-week, multi-agency search. Authorities confirmed that the child was recovered alongside her father, who is now in custody and faces serious criminal charges in the United States.
Discovery
Daleyza Fregoso, a U.S. citizen, was located in Mexico with her father, Ruben Fregoso, according to law enforcement officials. Mexican authorities took the 40-year-old into custody after identifying his location, and the child was recovered without injuries.
Officials said Daleyza is currently in the care of Mexican authorities and is in the process of returning to the United States. The U.S. Embassy is assisting with coordination to ensure her safe transfer and continued protection.
Background
The case began after authorities alleged that Ruben Fregoso fatally shot the child’s mother, Marisol Garcia, 34, in California. Limited details have been released regarding the circumstances of her death, but investigators believe the shooting occurred shortly before the child was taken.
Following the incident, law enforcement issued alerts and began searching for Fregoso, describing the situation as both a homicide investigation and a suspected parental abduction.
Border Crossing
Investigators later obtained video footage showing Fregoso and the child crossing into Mexico from San Diego. Authorities said Fregoso had made statements suggesting an intention to leave the country, which increased concerns about the child’s safety and prompted coordination with international partners.
A vehicle believed to have been used by Fregoso was later found abandoned in San Ysidro, a community near the U.S.-Mexico border. The discovery provided investigators with confirmation that the pair had crossed out of the country.
Search Effort
The search involved local, state, federal, and international agencies working together over approximately two weeks. Officials have not disclosed details about how Fregoso was located in Mexico, citing ongoing investigative and security considerations.
Authorities emphasized that cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement played a key role in locating the child and taking the suspect into custody.
Legal Proceedings
Ruben Fregoso is expected to be extradited to the United States, where he will face one count of murder and one misdemeanor count of child abuse under circumstances other than great bodily injury or death.
If convicted of all charges, he could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison under California law. Prosecutors have indicated that the case will be handled by the Family Violence Division.
Official Response
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman addressed the case in a written statement, describing it as a serious act of violence with lasting consequences for the child involved.
He said the office is committed to pursuing justice through all available legal avenues and will continue working with federal and Mexican authorities as the case moves forward.
Child’s Status
Daleyza remains in protective custody as arrangements are finalized for her return to the United States. Officials have not released information about her long-term care plans, citing privacy concerns due to her age.
Authorities stated that ensuring the child’s safety and stability remains the priority as the legal process continues.
The recovery of the child marks a critical development in the case, even as investigators and prosecutors continue addressing the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.
