Charge dropped against onetime girlfriend of ex-California cop accused of murder
A felony charge of accessory to a crime has been dropped against the onetime girlfriend of a former Riverside County sheriff’s deputy who is on trial for murder — prosecutors say he killed a romantic rival but claimed he shot him in self-defense during an arrest.
The District Attorney’s Office declined to explain why it filed the motion to dismiss the lone count against Diana Perez.
She may be asked to testify, said Amy McKenzie, a spokeswoman for the DA’s Office: “Aside from calling her as a witness, we are unable to comment at this time.”
Testimony is continuing this week at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
Oscar Rodriguez, 44, is charged with first-degree murder for the 2014 slaying of Luis Carlos Morin, 39, of Coachella. At the time, Rodriguez was romantically involved with Perez, the mother of Morin’s two children, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Their current relationship is unclear.
A trial was underway in Indio in June 2025 for former Riverside County sheriff’s Deputy Oscar Rodriguez. Rodriguez was accused of murdering a romantic rival and claiming he shot a man in self-defense during an arrest. He pleaded not guilty. (Courtesy of Riverside County Sheriff’s Department)
Deputy District Attorney Jacob Silva told jurors during his opening statement that Rodriguez met Perez in 2012 when she was having conflicts with Morin.
Perez kept Rodriguez aware of Morin’s whereabouts, Silva said. Rodriguez learned that Morin had warrants out for his arrest, Silva said, and on Jan. 27, 2014, a uniformed Rodriguez went to a home in Coachella where Morin was celebrating a relative’s birthday.
Rodriguez snuck up on Morin, according to Silva, and tripped Morin as he fled. Rodriguez then shot Morin.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Mark Frederick, told jurors that Rodriguez feared Morin was then about to attack him and fired in self-defense.
The District Attorney’s Office, unaware of Rodriguez’s relationship with Perez, initially found no criminal wrongdoing by Rodriguez. But a lawsuit filed by Morin’s family against the county in August 2014 — eventually settled for almost $7 million — prompted a new investigation.
Rodriguez was placed on paid leave about a year after the lawsuit was filed, and he resigned from the department in 2017.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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