Family Still Seeking Answers Two Years After the Murder of Apple Valley Man

Apple Valley Felon Arrested for Stealing Running Car

Two 19-Year-Old Apple Valley Men Arrested for Murder

APPLE VALLEY, CA. – Two years have passed since a 48-year-old Apple Valley man was found murdered inside his vehicle and his family is still waiting for answers.

Deputies from the Apple Valley Department and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to Dale Evans Parkway just yards from the 15 freeway on August 14, 2019, at around 6:42 a.m. The reporting party stated that there was a black Toyota Avalon on the shoulder of the freeway with a man slumped over inside. The man, later identified as John Barreras, was determined to be deceased with his cause of death later determined to be murder.

His sister, Kristin Barreras Casarez said that the night before he was found deceased, John had gone to Jocko’s Pub, located in the 13600 block of Bear Valley Road. It is unknown what time he left but she was later told that he had gone to his ex-girlfriend’s home for a visit after leaving Jacko’s. It is unclear what time John left or where he was headed when he came in contact with the person or people who took his life.

Kristin said that she does not believe it was a robbery that led to his death but does not understand what could have happened. She said that John was well-liked by everyone who knew him. John was murdered only 3 days before his 49th birthday. He was also set to be leaving the following week to accept a job promotion at Harbor Rail Services in Texas.

Being two years from the date John was found deceased his family hangs on to hope that the person responsible will be identified and arrested. “I know they are working on all leads and tips but there have been no arrests,” said Casarez. “It’s just really hard on my mom and the rest of us. He was looking forward to the lakes that he would be near to go fishing. He’s got big lakes in heaven.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact Detective Oscar Godoy, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.