Riverside Jury Convicts Man in 2020 Murder Case
Merlin Perales Ortiz faces a life sentence for his role in a fatal 2020 robbery in Riverside.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Crime — General
A jury has convicted 24-year-old Merlin Perales Ortiz of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and killing during a robbery. The conviction follows a 2020 incident in which the defendant and his co-conspirators targeted a 20-year-old man.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of a broader criminal scheme targeting marijuana dealers in the region. Prosecutors secured the conviction by using surveillance evidence to track the lethal confrontation.
Merlin Perales Ortiz was found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges following a jury trial. He is currently awaiting a sentencing hearing, where he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The players
Merlin Perales Ortiz
He is the 24-year-old defendant who was convicted of first-degree murder.
Wesley Flores Miranda
He was the 20-year-old victim of the robbery and fatal shooting.
Isaiah Israel Rodriguez
He is a co-defendant who previously pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Cristian Alejandro Runkle
He is a co-defendant who previously pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
The details
The defendants arranged to meet the victim at an apartment on the 5200 block of El Cerrito Drive to rob him of a backpack. Surveillance footage captured the victim arriving at the residence before a struggle ensued, resulting in his death.
Timeline
The murder occurred on Nov. 8, 2020.
Co-defendants pleaded guilty in October 2021.
The jury convicted Ortiz on Oct. 29, 2026.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2026.
Legal Context
This conviction follows the pattern set by the previous successful prosecutions of the defendant's co-conspirators. The legal outcome reflects established precedents for handling multiple defendants in homicide cases involving organized robbery schemes.
The conclusion of this trial brings closure to a violent incident that occurred within a local residential apartment complex. Residents in the area are now informed that all primary parties involved in the 2020 homicide have been held accountable by the judicial system.
The takeaway
Organized criminal activity carries life-altering consequences for all parties involved, including those acting as co-conspirators. The use of modern surveillance technology remains a critical tool in linking suspects to specific violent crime scenes.
What happens next
A sentencing hearing for Merlin Perales Ortiz is set for November 18, 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on regional legal proceedings in the Riverside Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
