LOS ANGELES, CA – Two people have been arrested in connection with the killing of a 66-year-old businessman who was fatally shot while walking through a park in Cerritos in what investigators have called a targeted attack.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that 54-year-old John Chong Uk Moon and 58-year-old Cindy Kim were taken into custody following a police pursuit that ended in Anaheim on Monday night. The siblings, who authorities say appeared to be living in their vehicle, are accused of killing Cuauhtémoc Garcia, a father of two and longtime Cerritos resident.
Garcia was shot and killed around 12:30 p.m. on February 25 as he walked along a bike path near the Coyote Creek Riverbed at Don Knabe Community Regional Park. Investigators quickly ruled out robbery, stating the shooting was not random.
Surveillance images captured shortly before the shooting showed a man and woman following Garcia along the path. After the footage was released to the public, a tip led authorities to identify Moon and Kim as the individuals in the photos.
Detectives linked the suspects to a silver Toyota Prius. After distributing the vehicle’s license plate to surrounding law enforcement agencies, Fullerton police located the Prius and attempted a traffic stop. The suspects fled, leading officers on a pursuit that ended in a collision in Anaheim. Both were arrested at the scene.
The suspects are not believed to have had any personal connection to Garcia. A motive remains unclear. Investigators have not indicated whether the shooting was planned in advance or what circumstances may have led to the deadly encounter.
Garcia’s family has been vocal in calling for justice. His wife, Michelle Garcia, described him as a dedicated family man and a creature of habit, known for his daily 10-mile walks in the park. “I tell him I miss him. I love him,” she said.
Garcia, who ran a successful business, was remembered by loved ones as energetic, generous, and devoted to his health and family. The family said he often joked about being their own “Forrest Gump,” as he rarely missed a day of walking the trails around Cerritos.
Formal charges are expected to be filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday. Both suspects remain in custody.
Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the suspects acted alone or if others may have been involved in any planning leading up to the shooting.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
