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Remembered

This page honors American citizens killed by people who were in the United States illegally. Each life here is remembered by a family that has chosen to speak publicly. We record their names, the facts of each case and its legal outcome as reported, nothing more.

Inclusion criteria. A case is listed only when (1) the victim's family has spoken publicly; (2) the perpetrator's or defendant's immigration status is confirmed by a court record, an ICE/DHS statement, or consistent major reporting; and (3) the case status is stated exactly as the record shows. “Convicted” is used only when a court record confirms a conviction for the killing; otherwise we write “charged” or “pending,” and defendants are presumed innocent. Corrections: see our policy.

Laken Riley

Age 22 · Feb 22, 2024 · Athens, Georgia

A nursing student, Laken was killed while running on a trail near the University of Georgia campus.

Case status
Convicted José Ibarra was found guilty on all counts at a bench trial and sentenced to life without parole (Nov 20, 2024).
Status confirmed by
ICE statement: entered the U.S. illegally near El Paso in Sept 2022, was paroled and released; corroborated by major reporting.
Family
Her family delivered impact statements at sentencing; the Laken Riley Act (2025) bears her name.
Sources
AP News · CNN

Kate Steinle

Age 32 · Jul 1, 2015 · San Francisco, California

Kate was struck by a bullet on Pier 14 while walking with her father and a family friend.

Case status
Acquitted of homicide; federal gun conviction A state jury acquitted José Inez García Zárate of murder and manslaughter (Nov 2017); his state gun conviction was overturned on appeal (2019). He pleaded guilty in March 2022 to federal felon-in-possession and unlawful-alien-in-possession firearm charges and was sentenced to time served (June 2022). He has not been convicted of causing her death.
Status confirmed by
Federal court record: his guilty plea admitted he was unlawfully present and previously deported (per U.S. Attorney/ATF).
Family
Her father, Jim Steinle, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 21, 2015 (CNN, NPR).
Sources
ATF / U.S. Attorney · AP News · CNN (2019 appeal)

Jocelyn Nungaray

Age 12 · Found Jun 17, 2024 · Houston, Texas

Jocelyn's body was found in a bayou in north Houston.

Case status
Charged — pending Johan José Martínez-Rangel and Franklin Peña Ramos are charged with capital murder; prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. No trial date had been set as of mid-2026. Both are presumed innocent.
Status confirmed by
ICE spokesperson to CNN and AP reporting: Venezuelan nationals who entered illegally; apprehended near El Paso by Border Patrol in March and May 2024 and released with notices to appear.
Family
Her mother, Alexis Nungaray, has spoken at news conferences and testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Sept. 10, 2024 (AP via KSAT).
Sources
ABC13 Houston · AP News · CNN

Rachel Morin

Age 37 · Aug 5, 2023 · Bel Air, Maryland

A mother of five, Rachel was killed while exercising on the Ma & Pa Trail.

Case status
Convicted A jury convicted Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez of first-degree murder, rape and kidnapping (Apr 2025); sentenced to life without parole plus life plus 40 years (Aug 11, 2025).
Status confirmed by
Court/prosecutor record and major reporting: a Salvadoran national wanted in El Salvador who had entered the U.S. illegally.
Family
Her mother, Patty Morin, and her children gave impact statements and have spoken publicly.
Sources
Harford County State's Attorney · AP News

Mollie Tibbetts

Age 20 · Last seen Jul 18, 2018 · Brooklyn, Iowa

A University of Iowa student, Mollie disappeared while running; her body was found a month later.

Case status
Convicted Cristhian Bahena Rivera was convicted of first-degree murder (May 2021) and sentenced to life without parole; the Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed in 2023.
Status confirmed by
ICE detainer and statement; noted in the appellate court record; major reporting.
Family
Her father, Rob Tibbetts, wrote a Sept. 1, 2018 Des Moines Register column asking people not to use her death “in advancing views she believed were profoundly racist” (Des Moines Register).
Sources
AP News · Iowa Court of Appeals

Sarah Root

Age 21 · Jan 31, 2016 · Omaha, Nebraska

Sarah had just graduated from Bellevue University when she was killed by a drunk driver at a stoplight.

Case status
Convicted Eswin Mejia fled after posting bail in 2016, was arrested in Honduras and extradited in March 2025, pleaded no contest to motor vehicle homicide, and was sentenced to 20–22 years (Feb 2026).
Status confirmed by
DHS/ICE statements: entered without inspection; encountered by Border Patrol in 2013 and released pending proceedings.
Family
Her mother, Michelle Root, and father, Scott Root, have spoken publicly; Sarah's Law is named for her.
Sources
DHS · WOWT

Jamiel Shaw II

Age 17 · Mar 2, 2008 · Los Angeles, California

A standout high school running back, Jamiel was shot three doors from his home.

Case status
Convicted Pedro Espinoza was convicted of first-degree murder with a gang allegation (May 2012) and sentenced to death (Nov 2012).
Status confirmed by
ICE statement (2008): immigration hold issued; living in the country illegally (LA Times).
Family
His father, Jamiel Shaw Sr., has spoken publicly for years, including at the 2016 Republican National Convention (ABC7).
Sources
LA Times (2008) · LA Times (2012)

Kayla Hamilton

Age 20 · Jul 2022 · Aberdeen, Maryland

Kayla, who was autistic, was killed in a trailer park in Harford County.

Case status
Convicted Walter Javier Martinez pleaded guilty to first-degree murder (Aug 2024) and was sentenced to 70 years; he was 16 at the time, so life without parole was not available.
Status confirmed by
Maryland state records and congressional testimony: a Salvadoran national who entered illegally as an unaccompanied minor; major reporting.
Family
Her mother, Tammy Nobles, testified before Congress in 2024.
Sources
Maryland Coordination & Analysis Center · WMAR · Testimony (congress.gov)

Grant Ronnebeck

Age 21 · Jan 2015 · Mesa, Arizona

Grant was shot while working at a convenience store.

Case status
Convicted Apolinar Altamirano pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 38.5 years (Aug 19, 2022).
Status confirmed by
ICE: in the country illegally and awaiting deportation proceedings at the time.
Family
His family spoke at sentencing.
Sources
ABC15 · AP News · AZFamily

Deputy Danny Oliver and Det. Michael Davis Jr.

Oct 2014 · Sacramento and Placer counties, California

Two sheriff’s deputies were shot dead during a crime spree that crossed two counties.

Case status
Convicted Luis Bracamontes was convicted (Feb 2018) and sentenced to death (Apr 2018).
Status confirmed by
Court record and major reporting: previously deported twice.
Family
Both families gave statements at trial and sentencing.
Sources
KCRA · AP News · LA Times

Cpl. Ronil Singh

Age 33 · Dec 26, 2018 · Newman, California

A Newman police officer, Ronil was shot during a traffic stop.

Case status
Convicted Paulo Virgen Mendoza (who used the name Gustavo Perez Arriaga) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life without parole (Nov 5, 2020).
Status confirmed by
Law enforcement statements and major reporting: in the country illegally.
Family
His widow, Anamika Singh, has spoken publicly.
Sources
KCRA · LA Times / AP

Ruby Garcia

Age 25 · Mar 22, 2024 · Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ruby was shot and her body left on a highway.

Case status
Convicted Brandon Ortiz-Vite pleaded guilty to second-degree murder; sentenced to a minimum of 39 years (Nov 7, 2024).
Status confirmed by
ICE: removed in 2020 and re-entered without inspection.
Family
Her sister, Mavi Garcia, has spoken publicly, including to say Donald Trump never contacted the family, as he had claimed (NBC News).
Sources
ABC News

Joshua Wilkerson

Age 18 · Nov 16, 2010 · Pearland, Texas

Joshua was beaten and strangled by a classmate.

Case status
Convicted Hermilo Moralez was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Status confirmed by
Major reporting and DHS: in the country illegally.
Family
His mother, Laura Wilkerson, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 21, 2015.
Sources
The Facts · KPRC · Senate testimony (PDF)

Marilyn Pharis

Age 64 · Attacked Jul 24, 2015; died Aug 1, 2015 · Santa Maria, California

An Air Force veteran, Marilyn was attacked in her home and died days later.

Case status
Convicted Victor Aureliano Martinez Ramirez was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole (Jul 30, 2018).
Status confirmed by
Major reporting (incl. LA Times): in the country illegally.
Family
Her brother and sister gave impact statements at sentencing (Santa Ynez Valley News).
Sources
CalCoastNews · LA Times (2015) · Santa Maria Times

Jerry and Sherri David, Connie Koontz and Sophia Renken

Jan 2019 · Reno and Gardnerville, Nevada

Four people were killed in their homes over a span of days.

Case status
Convicted Wilber Martinez-Guzman pleaded guilty and received four consecutive sentences of life without parole.
Status confirmed by
ICE: a Salvadoran national who entered the U.S. illegally.
Family
The families asked publicly for finality in the case.
Sources
Washoe County DA · AP News · KRNV News 4

Lizbeth Medina

Age 16 · Dec 5, 2023 · Edna, Texas

A high school cheerleader, Lizbeth was killed in her family’s apartment.

Case status
Convicted Rafael Govea Romero pleaded guilty (Sept 2025) and received two concurrent life sentences.
Status confirmed by
ICE detainer; reported to have overstayed an expired visa.
Family
Her mother has spoken publicly.
Sources
KPRC · Crossroads Today · Victoria Advocate

Fatal crashes

Fatal crashes, including commercial-truck and drunk-driving crashes, caused by drivers reported to be in the U.S. illegally. For this section the family-statement requirement is relaxed: victims are included when their names were publicly reported. The other criteria still apply.

Herby Dufresne, Faniola Joseph and Rodrigue Dor

Faniola Joseph, 37 · Rodrigue Dor, 54 · Herby Dufresne (reported as 29 or 30) · Aug 12, 2025 · Fort Pierce area, Florida (Florida’s Turnpike)

A semi-truck made an illegal U-turn through an “Official Use Only” median crossing; the minivan carrying the three victims struck the trailer. All three were killed.

Case status
Charged — pending Driver Harjinder Singh is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and three of manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty. A judge continued the case in July 2026; the next docket call was set for Oct 1, 2026. He is presumed innocent.
Status confirmed by
DHS statement (Aug 2025) and the bond-hearing judge, who called him an “unauthorized alien.”
Family
The family of Faniola Joseph filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in June 2026.
Sources
DHS · Miami Herald · WPBF (July 2026) · CBS12

Clarence Nelson, Lisa Nelson and Jaime Flores Garcia

Clarence Nelson, 76 · Lisa Nelson, 69 · Jaime Flores Garcia, 54 · Oct 21, 2025 · Ontario, California (10 Freeway)

A semi-truck failed to stop for slowed traffic and set off an eight-vehicle chain-reaction crash. Three people were killed and four injured.

Case status
Convicted Jashanpreet Singh pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and was sentenced to 4 years 8 months (July 14, 2026). DUI charges were dropped after toxicology came back negative.
Status confirmed by
DHS statement that he entered illegally in 2022 (reported by AP); ICE lodged a detainer. Disputed: California officials say the federal government had approved his work authorization documents.
Family
Victims’ families attended the sentencing.
Sources
San Bernardino County DA · AP News · Press-Enterprise · FOX 11

Brenda Watson

Brenda Watson, 50 · Sep 2, 2026 · Brown County, Ohio

A semi-truck moved into the opposing lane to pass another vehicle and hit her car head-on. She died at the scene.

Case status
Charged — pending Driver Manjit Singh is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide. He is presumed innocent.
Status confirmed by
DHS statement (Sept 2026): entered illegally through Arizona in Oct 2023; ICE lodged a detainer.
Family
No public family statement found as of this update.
Sources
DHS

Dominic Durden

2012 · Riverside County, California

A 911 dispatcher, Dominic was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a pickup.

Case status
Convicted (misdemeanor) Juan Zacarias Tzun pleaded guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, served about 35 days in jail, and was deported in March 2014.
Status confirmed by
Major reporting: a Guatemalan national in the country illegally.
Family
His mother, Sabine Durden, spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Sources
Press-Enterprise · ABC News

Officer Brandon Mendoza

May 2014 · Mesa, Arizona

A Mesa police officer, Brandon was killed by a wrong-way drunk driver.

Case status
Perpetrator died Driver Raul Silva-Corona also died in the crash; no prosecution was possible.
Status confirmed by
Major reporting: in the country illegally.
Family
His mother, Mary Ann Mendoza, spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Sources
USA Today (2014) · USA Today (mother)

Edwin Jackson and Jeffrey Monroe

Feb 2018 · Indianapolis, Indiana

Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and his Uber driver, Jeffrey Monroe, were struck on the roadside by a drunk driver.

Case status
Convicted Manuel Orrego-Savala was sentenced to 16 years in state court and 42 months federally for illegal re-entry.
Status confirmed by
Federal conviction for illegal re-entry; deported twice before.
Family
Victims publicly named (relaxed criterion).
Sources
AP (state) · AP (federal) · NBC News

Henry, Menno and Paul Eicher and Simon Girod

Henry Eicher, 50 · Menno Eicher, 25 · Paul Eicher, 19 · Simon Girod, 23 · Feb 3, 2026 · Jay County, Indiana

Four Amish men were killed when a semi-truck struck their vehicle.

Case status
Charged — pending Driver Bekzhan Beishekeev is charged with four counts of reckless homicide. He is presumed innocent.
Status confirmed by
DHS: entered via the CBP One app and lacked lawful status. Disputed: Pennsylvania officials and his attorneys say he had legal status.
Family
Victims publicly named (relaxed criterion).
Sources
21Alive · Fox News (status dispute) · WISH-TV

Clark James Fojas and Peter Joshua Fojas

Clark, 20 · Peter, 16 · May 19, 2026 · Lodi, California

Two brothers were killed in a four-vehicle crash involving a big rig on Highway 99; the truck driver is accused of leaving the scene.

Case status
Charged — pending Driver Manvir Singh is charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run and was held to answer for trial. He is presumed innocent.
Status confirmed by
DHS release (May 21, 2026): in the country illegally; ICE lodged a detainer.
Family
Victims publicly named (relaxed criterion).
Sources
DHS · KCRA · Lodi News-Sentinel