LOS ANGELES, CA – A pair of siblings has been arrested in connection with the killing of Cuauhtémoc “Témo” Garcia, a husband, father, and businessman who was fatally shot while exercising along a bike path in Cerritos. A video posted to TikTok by tourists may have provided the crucial clue that led to their capture, investigators said.
The shooting took place around 12:30 p.m. on February 25 near Don Knabe Community Regional Park, a location Garcia frequently visited for his daily walks. Authorities said the 66-year-old was targeted in what appeared to be a deliberate act of violence. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives released surveillance footage of a man and woman trailing Garcia shortly before the attack. Days later, an anonymous viewer recognized the individuals in a separate incident recorded and posted on TikTok. The video, filmed by out-of-state tourists at a Panera Bread restaurant in Cypress, showed the same man and woman allegedly hurling racial slurs during a verbal confrontation.
The tip prompted detectives to act swiftly. According to investigators, the pair—identified as 54-year-old John Chong Uk Moon and his sister, 58-year-old Cindy Kim—were living in a Toyota Prius, which helped them avoid detection for nearly two weeks.
Their vehicle was ultimately located by Fullerton police on the night of March 9. A pursuit ended in Anaheim when an undercover officer performed a tactical maneuver to disable the Prius. Both Moon and Kim were taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities allege Moon pulled the trigger, while Kim accompanied him and witnessed the fatal shooting. Both are being held on suspicion of murder with no bail set. The case will be presented for formal charges by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Garcia’s family expressed gratitude to the anonymous tipster whose action helped bring suspects into custody.
“Thank you so much. You have made such a difference to a family,” said Michelle Garcia, Témo’s widow. “So we can bury my husband at least knowing that they have the people in custody. So again, thank you so much.”
Garcia, known for his discipline and love of fitness, was described by family as someone who took pride in his routine and health. A successful businessman, he had been married for nearly 30 years and leaves behind two children.
No motive has been publicly disclosed, and investigators say the suspects had no known ties to Garcia. The siblings are expected to be arraigned in Bellflower in the coming days.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
