Ricarda Reyes-Villalobos identified as the dead woman found in a Santa Ana refrigerator

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Follow-up To Death Investigation 1000 Block North Jackson

Follow-up To Death Investigation 1000 Block North Jackson

Deceased: Ricarda Reyes-Villalobos (50) Santa Ana

Summary: On Thursday, 12/17/15 at approximately 2 p.m., officers were dispatched to 1000 block of North Jackson reference a body found in a refrigerator. They contacted the landlord who advised that a couple who rented and lived in the detached garage moved out approximately 3 months prior, leaving the refrigerator and additional property behind. The landlord stated a strong odor was coming from the refrigerator. When the landlord inspected the refrigerator, she found the remains of a female inside. Homicide detectives responded to the location and conducted their investigation.

Detectives located the couple who had lived in the garage residing in the City of Garden Grove. Both parties were interviewed and advised the deceased female was a relative. They have identified her as Ricarda Reyes-Villalobos, believed to be approximately 50 years of age. The couple advised that they were caregivers for Ricarda and she had passed away sometime in August of 2014. The couple told detectives they did not report the death to authorities because of their immigration status. They stated they planned on returning to the residence for their property when they had the sufficient funds to do so.

The Orange County Coroner performed an autopsy on 12-22-2015 and found no signs of trauma that would indicate the cause of death. The official cause of death is pending a toxicology report. Once the investigation is complete SAPD detectives will submit the case to the Orange County District Attorney for any possible criminal filing. SAPD Detectives will be working with the Mexican Authorities in an attempt to properly identify the deceased.

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