Two decades after a fatal shooting in Moreno Valley, California, investigators say a suspect in the cold case is finally behind bars.
Corey Sampson, 45, of Hesperia, was arrested on March 19 and charged with murder in connection with the 2004 killing of 29-year-old Israel Rangel, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The case dates back to September 1, 2004, when deputies responded to reports of a shooting just before 11:30 p.m. in the 15000 block of Perris Boulevard in Moreno Valley.
When deputies arrived, they found Rangel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
An extensive investigation led to Sampson being identified as a suspect in the murder. But there was insufficient evidence to file charges at the time, and the case eventually went cold, the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation stalled for years until it was recently reopened as part of the department’s ongoing review of unsolved homicides.
“As part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to review unsolved homicide cases, investigators recently reexamined this case,” the department said. “During the review, several leads and follow-up tasks were identified, and the case was reopened.”
The renewed effort uncovered new leads, allowing detectives to build a case. Investigators ultimately developed sufficient evidence to support Sampson’s arrest.
On March 19, 2026, with the assistance of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team, Sampson was arrested without incident in Hesperia.
Investigators have not released a possible motive or details about any connection between Sampson and Rangel. The case is still under investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact Master Investigator Robertson or Deputy Lucifora at 951-955-2777.
Sampson remains behind bars at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Riverside County.
