Unsolved Murder Spotlight: La Mesa Street Killings

Adrienne Heredia and her four children.

On the evening of June 24th, 2005, gunshots rang out on La Mesa street in Yuma, Arizona. When police arrived, they found 35-year-old Luis Rios in the backyard, struggling to stay alive after suffering multiple gunshots. He died later at the hospital. Inside the house, police found five more victims, four of them children. Adrienne Heredia, 29, and her four children, Andreas Crawford, 13, Enrique Crawford,12, Inez Newman, 9,  and Danny Heredia, 6, had all been shot to death at the home.

Suspect sketch.

Despite an extensive investigation by the Yuma Police Department and other agencies, which has included conducting over 1,300 interviews and fielding hundreds of tip calls, the perpetrator of this mass murder has not been apprehended.

Witnesses described a Hispanic male entering the residence following the shooting. Based on eyewitness accounts, police were able to put together a sketch of the suspect. According to authorities, two persons close to Luis Rios have not been cooperative in the investigation. Police are encouraging those who had called anonymously with tips before to call again. Below is a list of the information Yuma Police are seeking from the public:

• Any information on a white van in the area of the murders, 2037 E. La Mesa, on the day of the murders, June 24th, 2005, in the afternoon or evening hours.
• Any information in reference to a Suburban or utility truck in the area of the murders on the day of the murders.
• The male caller who called in on 78-CRIME on June 25th, 2005, at 8:00 p.m. in reference to a white van, to include a license plate and the names of several subjects possibly involved, we would like to talk to you.
• The caller who called in on 78-CRIME advising of Luis Rios being involved in any type of argument at RC Liquor prior to the murders, we would like to talk to you.
• Anyone who has any information on Luis Rios having been involved in any argument prior to the murders.
• Anyone who had contact with Luis Rios, Adrienne Heredia, Enrique Crawford, Andreas Crawford, Inez Newman or Danny Heredia on the day of the murders June 24th, 2005.
• Anyone who saw or knew the whereabouts of the Blue Durango that was stolen from the residence and later located in the area of 6th Avenue and 21st Street.
• Anyone who has information on why anyone close to this investigation is refusing to cooperate with us.
• Anyone with information on the subjects seen on surveillance video from RC Liquor on the afternoon of the murders that was released earlier to the media.

(Source: City of Yuma)

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 928-343-4704 to speak with detectives assigned to this case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered a $25,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these murders. There is also a $10,000 reward through 78-CRIME.

Thanks to reader Arthur for suggesting this case. If you know of an unsolved murder you’d like to see featured on Crime Library, email us at CrimeLibraryInfo@gmail.com