Authorities in California have arrested a suspect in a homicide that remained unsolved for more than two decades, following a renewed investigation into the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man in Riverside County, as reported by The New York Post.

Corey Sampson, 45, of Hesperia, was taken into custody Thursday in connection with the 2004 killing of Israel Rangel in Moreno Valley, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The case dates back to the evening of Sept. 1, 2004, when deputies responded to reports of a shooting along Perris Boulevard. When officers arrived, they found Rangel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

California man arrested in 22-year-old cold case murder Corey Sampson, 45, from Hesperia, was arrested roughly 22 years after allegedly gunning down Israel Rangel in Moreno Valley. https://t.co/FWz6u93Y7w pic.twitter.com/Q3SfIkQTNh

— NahBabyNah (@NahBabyNahNah) March 23, 2026

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.

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Investigators initially conducted what officials described as an extensive investigation into the shooting. During that process, Sampson was identified as a suspect.

However, authorities said there was not enough evidence at the time to move forward with charges, and the case eventually went cold.

Years later, investigators revisited the unsolved homicide as part of a renewed effort to examine cold cases.

According to the sheriff’s department, detectives re-examined the evidence and pursued several new leads, which ultimately resulted in the case being reopened.

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Authorities said that during the recent review, investigators were able to develop sufficient evidence to support Sampson’s arrest.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team assisted in the operation that led to his apprehension.

Officials have not released details about the nature of the evidence that led to the arrest or what prompted the new leads in the case.

Law enforcement has also not disclosed whether Sampson and Rangel were known to each other or what may have led to the shooting.

Following his arrest, Sampson was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on a charge of murder.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has not provided additional details about the ongoing investigation or whether further charges could be filed. Authorities have also not announced a court date.

Cold cases like this often remain unresolved for years due to limited evidence, unavailable witnesses, or investigative challenges at the time of the initial inquiry.

In this instance, officials said the re-examination of the case and follow-up on previously unpursued or newly discovered leads played a role in moving the investigation forward.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that had remained inactive for more than two decades, bringing new attention to the 2004 killing and the circumstances surrounding it.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as it proceeds through the legal process.

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