SAN BERNARDINO, CA – A month after the shocking daylight murder of Jessica Torres outside a local hamburger stand, San Bernardino police have unraveled a complex murder-for-hire scheme allegedly orchestrated by someone close to the victim. The investigation, which initially left authorities puzzled about the motive, now points to a calculated plot involving several suspects and a web of financial and personal ties.
Jessica Torres, a respected businesswoman in the community, was gunned down on January 10 as she left Burger Point. Surveillance footage captured the chilling scene: Torres was confronted by a suspect near her car, leading to a struggle over her purse and then a firearm. Despite her attempts to escape, she was fatally shot by the assailant, identified as Gerardo Yanez.
The breakthrough in the case came when police discovered an abandoned SUV on the east side of town. Inside, they found crucial evidence linking the vehicle to additional suspects. The investigation revealed a tangled network of relationships, with one suspect serving as the getaway driver and another connected through familial ties to the victim’s husband.
Authorities now believe the murder was orchestrated by Sergio Velez, Torres’s husband, as part of a murder-for-hire scheme rooted in a contentious divorce. Police have not disclosed how the plot came to fruition but confirmed that Velez allegedly paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to have his wife killed. The couple reportedly owned properties valued in the millions, adding a financial motive to the already tragic narrative.
As the investigation unfolded, five individuals, including Velez, were charged with murder. Prosecutors are considering special circumstances that could impact the severity of the charges, emphasizing the grave nature of the crime and its implications for justice.
The revelation of this murder-for-hire plot has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many grappling with the stark contrast between Torres’s public persona and the private turmoil that led to her untimely death. The case highlights the lengths to which individuals may go when personal and financial stakes are high.
Police continue to piece together the broader narrative, seeking justice for Torres and closure for her family. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains on edge, awaiting further developments in this tragic case that has captured the attention of many.