by Redlands, California — A deadly shooting inside a Redlands apartment has led to chilling allegations that a man not only killed his half-brother, but then attempted to put the victim’s children in danger by leaving gas burners on while they slept, according to police.
Authorities say the incident unfolded early Tuesday morning, December 23, when officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in Redlands following reports of shots fired.
Victim Found Dead Inside Apartment
According to the Redlands Police Department, officers arrived at the scene and discovered 36-year-old Aaron Richard Rivera suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Rivera was pronounced dead at the apartment.
Investigators immediately began canvassing the area and speaking with witnesses and family members, working to determine who was responsible for the shooting.
Half-Brother Identified as Suspect
Police said the investigation quickly led them to Zackary A. Brodowski, 32, Rivera’s half-brother. Authorities cited statements from family members and evidence located inside the apartment as key factors that identified Brodowski as the primary suspect.
Surveillance video from the apartment complex allegedly shows Brodowski fleeing the scene moments after the shooting, driving away in a silver 2008 Ford Focus, police said.
Gas Burners Allegedly Left On With Children Inside
Beyond the fatal shooting, investigators say Brodowski’s actions placed others at serious risk. Police allege that after the shooting, Brodowski left the stove’s gas burners turned on inside the apartment.
Read Also: Delaware Trooper Hailed as Hero After Being Fatally Shot at DMV in ‘Act of Pure Evil’
At the time, Rivera’s two juvenile children were reportedly asleep inside the home, unaware of the danger. Authorities say the act could have caused serious injury or death had the gas continued to accumulate.
Police did not say how the children were ultimately discovered or removed from the apartment, but no injuries to the children were reported.
Arrest Made Without Incident
Brodowski was later located and arrested without incident at his residence in Calimesa, according to police.
During a search of his home, investigators said they recovered a firearm believed to be the murder weapon, along with clothing matching what the suspect was wearing at the time of the shooting, as seen in surveillance footage.
Those items were taken into evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Facing Murder and Attempted Murder Charges
Police confirmed that Brodowski was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, reflecting both the fatal shooting and the alleged actions involving the gas burners and the children.
He is currently being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
Authorities have not said whether Brodowski has entered a plea, nor whether he has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
Community Shocked by Allegations
The case has left residents in and around Redlands shaken, particularly due to the involvement of children and the alleged attempt to endanger their lives after the shooting.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that domestic and family-related violence cases often escalate rapidly, creating risks not only for intended victims but for anyone present in the home.
Police have not publicly discussed a possible motive for the shooting or whether there had been prior disputes between the brothers.
Investigation Continues
Detectives say the investigation remains active as they continue reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements. Additional details about the timeline of events and the children’s condition may be released as the case moves forward.
Prosecutors are expected to formally file charges in the coming days.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Redlands Police Department as authorities work to fully piece together what led to the deadly encounter.
Do you think penalties should be harsher when children are put at risk during violent crimes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
