David Moreno sat down for breakfast with his estranged wife at a Denny's restaurant in Madera County, California. After finishing their meal together, authorities allege the 51-year-old waited until they stepped outside before shooting 38-year-old Brittney Harris multiple times in the parking lot and fleeing the scene.
Background
Brittney Harris had recently graduated from Merced College's nurse assistant program, according to her family who spoke with Fresno ABC affiliate KFSN. The victim was shot Thursday morning at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Denny's located near Avenue 18½ and Golden State Boulevard.
The Madera County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Moreno and Harris were an estranged couple who had been eating inside the restaurant together before the shooting occurred. After the alleged attack, Harris was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle parked at the location. Deputies initiated lifesaving measures before emergency medical personnel transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Investigation
Detectives with the Madera County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple reports of a woman being shot upon arrival at the scene. A bystander captured video footage of Moreno's white Toyota RAV4 as it departed the area and provided the recording to investigators, authorities stated.
Within approximately four hours of the shooting, detectives located Moreno driving the same RAV4 leaving the area. Deputies coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office to conduct a traffic stop near Highway 41 and Manning Avenue—about 36 miles from the Denny's location—and took him into custody without incident.
As of Monday afternoon, formal charges had not yet been filed against Moreno in connection with Harris' death. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors review evidence for potential filing of criminal charges.
Key Takeaways
- Victim Brittney Harris, 38, was a recent graduate of Merced College's nurse assistant program and had recently completed her certification
- Suspect David Moreno, 51, allegedly killed his estranged wife after the two dined together inside the restaurant before the shooting in the parking lot
- The killing has been classified as a domestic violence-related incident by the Madera County Sheriff's Office
- Moreno was apprehended approximately four hours later following coordination between Madera and Fresno County sheriff's deputies
- A bystander's video of the suspect's vehicle leaving the scene provided critical evidence for investigators
What's Next
Moreno remains in custody pending formal charges. The Madera County District Attorney's office is expected to review the case for potential filing of murder and domestic violence-related charges against him.
Prosecutors have not yet announced when they expect to file formal charges or whether a arraignment date has been set.