Indio, Calif. — A 40-year-old Coachella man, Richard Michael Carmona, will face court proceedings this Tuesday on charges of murder following the death of a local woman who succumbed to severe burns. The incident, which transpired on Halloween, has escalated to a homicide investigation after authorities determined that the burns were linked to a criminal act.
On the morning of October 31, Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a brush fire on Cesar Chavez Street in Coachella, where they discovered a gravely injured woman. The victim, later identified as 43-year-old Arlene Danielle Avila, also a resident of Coachella, had sustained significant burn injuries and required urgent air transportation to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save her, Avila later died from her injuries.
Further investigations pointed to foul play, prompting officials to label the case a homicide. Authorities subsequently arrested Carmona, who they suspect was involved in the incident. Carmona, now held at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, faces a felony murder charge. The charge carries an additional allegation that the murder occurred during or in the immediate aftermath of an arson attempt.
Carmona’s arrest last Thursday marks a pivotal turn in a case that has stirred public concern and speculation about the circumstances leading to Avila’s tragic death. Investigators have been meticulously gathering evidence and are calling on the public to assist with any information that may bring more light to the events of that fateful night.
Members of the community who might have insights or information related to this case are being encouraged to come forward. Investigator Cline of the Central Homicide Unit and Investigator Glasper from the Thermal Station are handling inquiries.
The arraignment is set to take place at the Larson Justice Center, presided over by judicial authorities who will hear Carmona’s plea. As this case progresses, the community and legal observers alike await further details to emerge, shedding light on the motivations and circumstances behind this harrowing crime.