Cold Case Homicide Arrest 

March 22, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on September 1, 2004, at 11:28 p.m., deputies assigned to the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the 15000 block of Perris Boulevard, in the city of Moreno Valley, regarding a shooting. Deputies arrived and located 29-year-old Israel Rangel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Rangel was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. Through an extensive investigation, Corey Sampson, a now 45-year-old male from Hesperia, was identified as a suspect in the murder. However, there was insufficient evidence to file charges at the time, and the case eventually went cold.

As part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to review unsolved homicide cases, investigators recently reexamined this case. During the review, several leads and follow-up tasks were identified, and the case was reopened.

Investigators ultimately developed sufficient evidence to support Sampson’s arrest. On March 19, 2026, with the assistance of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team, Sampson was arrested without incident in Hesperia. He was transported to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and booked on a charge of murder.

This investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information will be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Robertson or Deputy Lucifora at (951) 955-2777.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jarred Bishop

File # MV042450385

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff's Office