(L.A.) Gabriela Moreno, 42, Died in an Alley
Case Number: 2025-18208
Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 42-year-old Hispanic female that occurred in an alley.
The coroner’s office identified the woman as Gabriela Moreno.
Manner of Death: Accident
Cause of Death: Blunt-Force Injuries
RIP GABRIELA MORENO ( November 20, 2025)
Formal pronouncement of death was made on Thursday.
Ara Zapata, an El Monte resident, was driving a stolen Hyundai SUV when Alhambra police officers initiated a pursuit at around 3:00 a.m.
The Hyundai SUV driven by Zapata collided with Officer Alec Sanders’ police cruiser near the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive in Alhambra.
Gabriela Moreno, a passenger in the suspect’s vehicle, was ejected and died at the scene.
Zapata faces two counts each of murder and fleeing a peace officer’s motor vehicle causing death, along with one count of reckless driving on a highway causing a specified injury.
If convicted as charged, Zapata could face a sentence of 80 to 120 years to life in state prison.
Zapata was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of just over $4 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 23.